Contact as many of the decedent’s employers as possible.
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Many employers have death benefits for their employees. Contact past employers to uncover these. Here are some of the common benefits that you may be eligible for:
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Death benefits like life insurance, accidental death insurance, or other death benefits through the employer. Typically, the employer takes care of the paperwork to process those claims.
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COBRA benefits for the surviving spouse and dependent children to temporarily continue health, dental, and/or vision insurance the decedent may have had. Check with the employer to see what benefits qualify for continuation.
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Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that have a balance at the date of death. These accounts, funded with pretax deductions from employee salaries, can be used to pay for healthcare or dependent care expenses incurred prior to death.
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Retirement accounts such as 401(k), Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE), a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP), or other less common plans.
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Unpaid salary, bonuses, vacation time, and/or comp time that may be owed or payable upon death. Ask if the employee or estate is entitled to anything else as well, like reimbursable expenses.
Circle of Friends Tip: Life or health insurance plans tied to a pension are often overlooked because they require notifying a separate company. Make sure you ask about these and apply for survivor benefits if applicable.
