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For American families, in every state.

A free, lasting online memorial — gather the photos, the stories, the songs, and bring family from coast to coast together to remember.

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What to do when someone dies in the US

Practical steps from filing the death certificate through probate.

  1. 1

    Get the death certificate filed

    The funeral director typically files the certificate with the state Office of Vital Records within 3–5 days. Order 8–12 certified copies up front — Social Security, the IRS, banks, insurers, the DMV and probate each need one.

  2. 2

    Notify Social Security and the IRS

    The funeral home usually reports the death to SSA. Surviving spouses can apply for the $255 Lump-Sum Death Payment and ongoing survivor benefits. The final federal tax return is due by April 15 of the following year.

  3. 3

    Arrange the funeral or memorial

    Funerals in the US vary widely by faith, region and family preference. Memorial services without the body present are common. Many families livestream so distant relatives can attend — share the link on the TributeLegacy page.

  4. 4

    Probate and the estate

    Probate is handled at the county level in the deceased's state of residence. The named executor (or court-appointed administrator) gathers assets, pays debts and distributes the estate. Small estates often qualify for a simplified affidavit process.

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Browse and create memorials in the largest US cities.

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Common questions

How do I register a death in the United States?
Death registration is handled at the state level by the Office of Vital Records. The funeral home usually files the death certificate within 3–5 days. Order 8–12 certified copies — Social Security, the IRS, banks, insurers, the DMV and probate each need an original. Fees range from about $10 to $30 per copy depending on the state.
What needs to happen with Social Security?
The funeral home typically reports the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The surviving spouse or child may be eligible for the one-time $255 Lump-Sum Death Payment plus monthly survivor benefits. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to start a claim.
What benefits are available to veterans' families?
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers burial in a national cemetery, a free headstone or marker, a burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate. Survivors may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or a Survivors Pension. Apply through va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
What grief support is available across the US?
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) supports anyone in distress. GriefShare (griefshare.org) runs in-person groups in every state. The Dougy Center supports grieving children, and TAPS (1-800-959-8277) supports military families. Hospice agencies offer free bereavement support for 13 months after a death.
Are TributeLegacy memorial pages free for American families?
Yes. Creating an online memorial on TributeLegacy is free for families in every US state. You can publish an obituary, gather tributes from family across the country, host a livestream link for the service, and keep the page forever. There is no time limit and no paid tier required to remember.

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