What should I do if my spouse dies?

Put a post about the death on social media on both your account and the deceased person’s, if you have access. Contact the deceased’s employer right away so they can handle payroll matters and workload. Find out if the employer offers death benefits and how any pension will be handled for the surviving spouse.

Are you prepared for the death of a spouse or partner?

There’s no way to truly be prepared for the death of a spouse or partner. And the decisions about what to do when your spouse dies can be overwhelming at a time when you’re dealing with a flood of emotions. “After a difficult loss, take time to grieve and be with family,” says Stanley Poorman, a financial professional with Principal ®.

What happens when a spouse dies?

When a spouse dies, whether suddenly or after a long illness, the loss is often felt in waves of grief. As you’re dealing with emotions, such as shock, sadness, regret or even relief, you’re also expected to take charge of next steps. Who will alert friends and family of the death, handle funeral arrangements and pay bills?