In the first 29 days following the loss of a spouse, focus on completing only the essential tasks to manage financial and legal matters. Reserve the remainder of your time for grief and healing. These steps provide a foundation for addressing immediate financial and legal responsibilities:
- Notify employer and retrieve personal effects.
- Obtain death certificates (5–10 copies).
- Contact VA and/or Social Security Administration for benefits.
- File will for probate with an attorney.
- Cancel health insurance and ensure dependent coverage.
- Make life insurance and retirement account claims.
See our checklist of what to do in the first year of widowhood here.