Contact an Employer or Pension Provider

What you'll need

• Deceased's most recent pay stub or pension statement
• Employer HR department contact information
• Death certificate (certified copy)
• Beneficiary information if known

Steps

1. Contact the HR department of the deceased's most recent employer. If retired, contact the pension administrator listed on their pension statements.
2. Notify them of the death and ask about: any unpaid wages or final paycheck, life insurance policies held through the employer, pension or retirement benefits and survivor options, health insurance continuation options for dependents (COBRA).
3. Ask for everything in writing and request a list of all benefits the deceased had through the employer.
4. If there is a pension with a survivor benefit, ask about the claims process and required documentation.
5. For 401(k) or employer retirement accounts, contact the plan administrator separately — this is often a third-party provider like Fidelity or Vanguard, not the employer directly.
6. Ask about any stock options, deferred compensation, or equity that may not have vested yet — these may still have value.