Practical tips: Who to contact when a loved one dies
There are many people to contact in the event of a death. If you can locate a family member's documents it will help you find all the relevant information regarding what organisations you need to contact. Keep in mind that you may have to provide reference numbers for certain accounts.
Get some help. It is important to try and find someone close that can help you get through difficult times. A support person can notify friends of a loved one's death, make phone calls and help pack up a person's belongings. Having a close friend do simple tasks such as shopping for food or answering the phone can be a relief.
Some people may need to view a copy of the death certificate but it can help to notify most organisations as soon as you can. Start with the following:
- Centrelink/Department of Veterans Affairs
- Pre-paid funeral/funeral bond
- Bank/credit union
- Employer/superannuation fund
- Solicitor/state trustee/executor of will
- Insurance company
- Medicare/health Fund
- Doctor
- Allied health Services; physiotherapist, optometrist, podiatrist
- Water/gas/phone/electricity
- Local council
- Vehicle; registration/insurance
- Accountant/tax office
- Electoral office
- Post office
- Nursing or health services (meals on wheels, private nursing agencies)
- Landlord
- Clubs and associations
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