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After the Arrangements
The Early Days After Loss
It all feels like way too much to deal with, and we'd like you to know that right now it's okay to take care of yourself first.
You've got two important things to do in the coming weeks and months. As much as possible, you need to practice exquisite self-care. You also need to spend some time focused on completing the paperwork which will officially change the status of your loved one with banks and creditors; employers, insurance companies, and mortgage holders. This can be a slow process, so be prepared for the "long haul".
The Paperwork
Here is a checklist of the tasks you may be facing in the coming weeks. It's time to get organized. If you need assistance we recommend an Estate Documentation Service . This is a list of documents that are useful when dealing with a death. Since every death is different, you might not need everything listed. Many services require at least one of the documents below as proof.
- Death certificate (or copy)
- Will
- Passport
- Identification cards, such as a Social Insurance Number card, driver’s licence or BC Services Card
- Birth certificate
- Letters of probate or administration
- Vehicle ownership and registration
- Property documents
- Title/deed
- Tax and lease information
- Mortgage statements
- Financial information
- Bank cards or statements
- Tax information
- Line of credit or loan statements
- Investments & shareholder agreements
- Stock and bond certificates
- Insurance policies, group benefits coverage
- Citizenship, residency or immigration documentation
- Marriage certificate, divorce or separation papers
- Retirement accounts and pension statements
What's Next?
Each death is different. Handling the affairs of someone who died is also always different. Not everything listed will apply to you, but these resources will point you in the right direction:
- After a Death Checklist
- In British Columbia, when someone dies and you need to look after their affairs, you will make decisions about what to do next. This checklist helps you determine who to notify and keeps you organized.
- Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit Application
- The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit is a one-time payment, payable to the estate or other eligible individuals, on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.
- Canada Pension Plan Survivor’s Pension Application
- The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor's pension is a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor.
- Canada Pension Plan Children's Benefit Application
- The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children's benefits provide monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) Notification of Death Form
- When an Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) beneficiary dies, their benefits must be cancelled. Benefits are payable for the month in which the death occurs; benefits received after that will have to be repaid.
- BC Bereavement Helpline & Emotional Support
- This list serves as a starting point to find help for your individual needs and situation. Emotional supports can help people to understand and process someone’s death.
