The Death Certificate
Many of the offices or agencies you contact will request copies of the death certificate. You can buy certified copies of the death certificate through your funeral director or directly from the county health department. There is usually a charge of a few dollars per certificate. It is worth paying the money for the certified copies, since many companies require it.
Tip: Get at least 10 certified copies of the death certificate.
Any Insurance Policies
You will probably find copies of life, health, home mortgage, accident, and other insurance policies in a safe deposit box or with your spouse’s personal belongings. Any of these insurance policies could be sources of possible benefits.
Get Social Security Numbers
You need the Social Security numbers of your spouse and any dependent children.
Tip: Your spouse's Social Security number can be found on the death certificate.
Military Discharge Papers
You will need a copy of a certificate of honorable (or other than dishonorable) discharge if your spouse was a veteran. If you cannot find a copy of the discharge, write to:
The Department of Defense
National Personnel Record Center
9700 Page Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63132
Marriage Certificate
If you are going to apply for benefits based on your marital relationship, you will need copies of your marriage certificate. Copies are available at the office of the County Clerk where the marriage license was issued.
Childrens' Birth Certificates
You will need copies of birth certificates for dependent children. Copies are available at either the state or county public health offices where the child was born.
The Will
You will need a copy of the will. Your spouse's lawyer may have the will or it may be in a safe, a safe deposit box, or with your spouse’s personal belongings.
List of Assets
A complete list of all of your spouse's property, including real estate, stocks, bonds, savings accounts, and personal property, will be needed. Land titles, stocks certificates, and other financial papers may be stored in a safe deposit box or other secure place
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