after a loss

Contact the funeral home to take your loved one into their care.
Contact the funeral director or the Ohio State Vital Records Office (odh.ohio.gov; 614.466.3543) to assist in obtaining certified copies of the death certificate.
Contact your minister (if applicable) for support and/or funeral arrangements.
Alert immediate family members and close friends.
Contact your loved one’s employer (if applicable), and inquire about 401(k), pension or company benefits.
Notify your loved one’s Power of Attorney (if applicable).
Alert the executor of your loved one’s will.
Arrange for the care of dependents.
If your loved one had pets, arrange for their immediate care.
Remove valuables from your loved one’s home, secure the residence and take steps to make the home appear to be occupied (for example, use of lamp timers).
Arrange for the disposal of any perishables left in your loved one’s home, such as food, refrigerated items and existing trash.
Cancel your loved one’s prescriptions and subscriptions.
Alert the post office to forward your loved one’s mail.
Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to transfer titles of all registered vehicles (if applicable).
Contact the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov/benefits/survivors; 800.772.1213) about possible survivor benefits.
If your loved one was a veteran, inquire about benefits you may be entitled to through the VA (va.gov; 800.827.1000).
¨ Locate your loved one’s important documents: