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Important papers and information you’ll need

• Social Security number(s) of your loved one, the spouse and any dependent children
• Insurance policies
• Veteran's discharge papers
• Marriage certificate if the spouse will be applying for benefits
• Birth certificates for all dependent children applying for benefits
• The will
• Death certificate
• Listings of assets such as savings accounts, real estate, stocks, bonds, and personal property

You will need a death certificate whenever you must prove that you are a survivor or executor of an estate and will be receiving funds or property because of the death. One death certificate is needed for each insurance policy and each financial institution. Death certificates can be ordered from your funeral director or your county health department. It is less expensive to order multiple copies than to pay for them one at a time.

Allina Grief Resources
651-628-1752

First published: 05/28/2000
Last updated: 09/15/2004

Reviewed by: Russell N. Myers, M.Div, BCC, Chaplain, Allina Hospitals & Clinics; Linda Norlander, RN, MS, project manager, Allina End of Life Project;

Judy Young, M.Ed, Bereavement Services, Allina Hospice and Palliative Care