988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
CrisisFree, confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, plus prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
After Loss
A calm, step-by-step companion
The practical, legal, and financial steps, one at a time. Breathe, and work through them at your own pace.
We built this for the people we love
After Loss was built to help our loved ones navigate the difficult, overwhelming times when we lose the ones closest and dearest to us. In those first hard days, it can be tough to even know what to do first — and that is exactly why we are here, to do our best to lead you in the right direction, one helpful step at a time.
Please keep in mind that your state and county laws may differ from the general steps here. For decisions about your estate, taxes, or benefits, speak with a qualified local professional.
If you are struggling or having thoughts of suicide
You do not have to face this alone. Compassionate, confidential support is available 24/7, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Call or text 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7, free, confidential
Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line — 24/7, free, confidential
In immediate danger? Call your local emergency number (911 in the US).
Send this to someone as a gift
Know someone who could use a helpful guide right now? Share this page with them — no cost, no signup needed to read.
A practical checklist, not legal advice
These are the steps that tend to come up when you lose a spouse or partner, so nothing gets missed in a hard, busy time. This is general guidance, not legal or financial advice — for decisions about your estate, taxes, or benefits, speak with a qualified professional.
Complete a step, skip it for now, or undo your last move. Skipped steps gather at the bottom so they stay out of your way.
Your progress0 done · 0 skipped · 28 left
0% handled. Keep every receipt and a log of every call.
6 important steps left
Time-sensitive steps to handle soon
These steps have suggested time windows. We will keep them visible here until they are done so nothing slips past.
Suggested windows are general guidance, not legal deadlines. For the exact timing that applies to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
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Every situation is different and may call for different actions. For anything legal, it is always best to consult a lawyer. This is general guidance, not legal, financial, or medical advice. For decisions about your estate, taxes, or benefits, please speak with a qualified professional.
It is okay to pause. Grief is not a race — rest when you need to, and the steps will wait for you.
Funeral home comparison
Compare prices across funeral homes and spot the best value.
Resource Library
Helpful guides and links to support you as you work through the steps.
You don't have to figure everything out alone. These trusted guides and organizations can help with the legal, financial, and emotional steps ahead, so you can move through them at your own pace.
Crisis Text Line (Text 741741)
CrisisFree 24/7 text-based crisis support. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to connect with a trained crisis counselor, or chat online.
Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1)
CrisisVeterans Crisis Line connects Veterans and their loved ones with qualified responders. Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or chat online.
Survivors Benefits Guide (Social Security)
FinancialOfficial Social Security Administration booklet explaining who qualifies for survivor benefits, how to apply, and what documents you'll need.
Report a Death & Close Accounts (USA.gov)
PracticalStep-by-step government checklist for reporting a death, notifying agencies, and closing or transferring accounts.
VA Burial & Survivor Benefits
FinancialU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guidance on burial allowances, memorial items, and survivor benefits for eligible families.
Settling a Loved One's Affairs (AARP)
EstatePractical guidance on locating documents, handling the estate, and managing finances after a loss.
Grief Support for Adults & Kids (The Dougy Center)
EmotionalA leading grief support center offering free resources, peer groups, and age-appropriate guidance for grieving children, teens, and adults.
Funeral Costs & Consumer Rights (FTC)
PracticalFederal Trade Commission advice on understanding funeral costs, your rights under the Funeral Rule, and avoiding unfair practices.
Funeral cost estimator
Estimate burial vs. cremation costs side by side.
Social Security survivor benefits
Eligibility, claiming steps, and SSA contacts for survivors.
Pension & employer survivor benefits
Pension, retirement, and employer survivor benefit guidance.
Family contact list
Keep everyone helping with arrangements in one place.
Printable funeral plan
Export your plan, costs, and contacts as a PDF.
Every situation is different and may call for different actions. For anything legal, it is always best to consult a lawyer. This checklist is general guidance, not legal, financial, medical, or psychological advice. For estate, tax, and benefits decisions, consult a qualified professional. For emotional or mental health support, please consult a licensed counselor, therapist, or other qualified professional. If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number right now.
