After someone dies, notify the government programs and businesses they used. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts.
When someone passes away, it’s important to take several steps to protect their financial legacy and prevent identity theft. One of these crucial steps is notifying the credit bureaus of the death. This prevents fraudulent activity and ensures a smooth transition for beneficiaries.
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) routinely sends out a list of newly deceased individuals to the three major credit bureaus (Experian TransUnion, and Equifax) this process can take several months. This delay leaves the deceased’s credit files vulnerable to identity theft and fraudulent activity.
To expedite the process and protect the deceased’s credit, it’s crucial to report the death directly to the credit bureaus. This can be done by the surviving spouse, executor of the estate, or any authorized representative.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report a death to credit bureaus:
1. Obtain the death certificate: Getting a certified copy of the death certificate is the first step. This document, which the credit bureaus require, acts as official proof of the death.
2. Contact the credit bureaus: Call each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) and inform them of the death. You can find their contact information below:
- Experian: (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion: (800) 888-4213
- Equifax: (888) 548-7878
3. Submit the death certificate: Send a certified copy of the death certificate to each credit bureau. You can do this via certified mail to ensure delivery confirmation.
4. Get a copy of the credit report: After the death notice is handled, get a copy of each credit bureau’s record for the deceased. This enables you to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and spot any unpaid debts.
5. Pay off debts and close credit accounts: Collaborate with the estate executor to pay off any outstanding debts and close all credit accounts linked to the departed.
Additional Resources:
- USAGov: Agencies to notify when someone dies: https://www.usa.gov/report-a-death
- Trust & Will: How to Report Death to Credit Bureaus: https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-notify-credit-bureaus-of-death
FAQs:
Q: Can I report a death to the credit bureaus online?
A: Currently, online death reporting is not available for all credit bureaus. However, Experian allows online death reporting through their website. For TransUnion and Equifax, you need to contact them by phone or mail.
Q: How long does it take for the credit bureaus to process a death notice?
A: The processing time can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks.
When a death notice is filed, what happens to the deceased’s credit report?
A “deceased” notation is added to the credit report, stopping future credit inquiries and guarding against identity theft. After seven years, the credit report is permanently closed and deleted.
Remember, notifying the credit bureaus of a death is crucial for protecting the deceased’s financial legacy and preventing fraud. By taking these steps promptly, you can ensure a smooth transition for beneficiaries and safeguard their financial well-being.
Financial institutions and other organizations to notify of a death
Report the personâs death to banks, credit card companies, credit bureaus, and other financial organizations. And contact utilities and places where the person had memberships and subscriptions. Learn from the Federal Trade Commission what to do about any debts the person had.
Government agencies and programs to notify of a death
For the majority of organizations and programs, you’ll need the deceased person’s Social Security number and certified copies of their death certificate.
The funeral director should report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for you. If they do not, you must do this as soon as possible.
- SSA will notify Medicare.
- Any Social Security benefits the person was receiving will stop.
- All payments for the month the person passed away must be returned.
- When you call, you can inquire about Social Security survivors benefits.
Contact the state motor vehicles office to:
- Cancel the personâs license or ID
- Transfer the title of a vehicle the person owned
You must file the personâs final income tax return(s). Include all unreported income the person earned up to their date of death.
You can return the personâs passport to the Department of State (DOS) for cancellation. (See âHow do I cancel the passport of a deceased relative?â for instructions.)
- This helps prevent identity theft.
- If you would like, the DOS will return the canceled passport, or they may destroy it.
Contact the state social services office to cancel payments for benefit programs. These may include:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF (welfare)
- Rental assistance
- Medicaid
Contact the local election office to cancel the personâs voter registration. This helps prevent voter fraud.
If the person was a veteran, you can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about:
- Burial benefits
- Death benefits and survivor benefits
- Veterans life insurance
You must notify the VA to cancel these benefits:
- Compensation
- Pension
- Education
- Health
Report a military retireeâs death to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). They will:
- Stop monthly pension payments
- If the person was enrolled, send the Survivor Benefit Plan forms.
Contact the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to:
OPM will help process any annuity due to survivors.
Notify the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the person died. They can help you communicate with local authorities and help with arrangements and documents. Learn more about how embassies can help following an American citizens death in a foreign country.