This step is particularly important because a spouse or beneficiary might be able to receive money or other benefits from a current or former employer. In many cases, employee benefits can provide essential support to the family.

In applicable cases, the Human Resources (HR) department of whatever company your loved one worked for should be able to answer questions about employee benefits after death.

When you call, ask for someone from Human Resources, notify them about the death, and ask the following questions:

• Are there any death benefits related to employee-benefits?
• Do you have details on retirement annuity or pension plans? How can these be transferred to surviving family? Do you have copies of key documents?
• Do you have details of life insurance coverage? How can these be transferred to surviving family? Do you have copies of key documents?
• Do you have details of health insurance coverage? How can these be transferred to surviving family? Do you have copies of key documents?
• Are there any other key documents or benefits I need to know about?

If the deceased person was still working at time of death:

• Are they owed any final paychecks or vacation day payouts due to employee benefits?

For more help identifying employee benefits, sign up for Peacefully today.