When a loved one passes away, there are a number of institutions and vendors that must be notified for various reasons. While reporting the death of a friend or loved one is an unenviable task, it is imperative that it be done in a timely fashion in order to settle their affairs and not prolong any recurring payments or income streams that will require refunding. Reporting the death of a loved one as early as possible allows the grieving process to continue free of the fear of unknown debts and other notices interrupting later on. 

Before reporting a death to any institution, be prepared to provide customer service representatives with the personal information and/or death certificate of the person who has passed away. It is strongly recommended to request at least 10 certified original copies of a death certificate from the funeral home or other institution processing the decedent. Below is a partial list of common institutions to whom death must be reported, as well as instructions on how to do so. If you or a loved one is concerned about reporting a death properly, please reach out to New York Financial Organizers for a free consultation.

Social Security & Medicare

Call Social Security at 800-772-1213 with the decedent’s Social Security Number and date of death. Reporting a death to Social Security also serves to report the death to Medicare, if necessary.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

To report the death of a federal employee or pension recipient, call the Office of Personnel Management. Call 888-767-6738 or go online at https://rsreporting.opm.gov/EmployeeDeath. 

Verizon Wireless (Mobile Phone Service)

To report the death of a Verizon Wireless customer, call 800-922-0204 and request fax or in-person information to deliver a death certificate as required.

Verizon Home Service (Internet, Cable, Landline)

To report the death of a Verizon Home customer, call 800-837-4966 and request fax or in-person information to deliver a death certificate as required.

Spectrum

Call 833-267-6094 to report the death of a Spectrum customer.

Con Edison

Call 800-752-6633 to report the death of a Con Edison customer and separately close or reassign their account.

Facebook

Use this link to report the death of a Facebook user and have their page deleted or memorialized – this process also extends to Instagram.