How to Notify the Employer

Call the deceased's workplace and ask to speak with their direct supervisor or the HR department. Say: "I am calling to let you know that [name] passed away on [date]. I am their [relationship]. Can you please connect me with HR to discuss final benefits?" The employer will need a death certificate eventually, but the initial notification can happen by phone.

Ask HR to walk through every benefit the deceased had. Many people are unaware of all their workplace benefits. Common benefits to ask about include: group life insurance (often 1x to 2x annual salary, sometimes with an option for additional coverage the employee may have purchased), accidental death and dismemberment insurance, final paycheck including any earned commissions or bonuses, accrued vacation or PTO payout, pension or retirement plan information, COBRA health insurance continuation rights, employee assistance program (EAP) grief counseling for the family, and any other voluntary benefits such as disability insurance with a death benefit.

Also ask about the deceased's personal belongings at the workplace — desk items, personal files, and any company property that needs to be returned (laptop, phone, badge, keys). The employer may ship personal items to you or arrange a time for you to collect them. If the deceased had an office computer, ask whether there are personal files on it that you may need access to, and arrange this before the employer wipes or reassigns the device.