Check-list of Things to Cancel When Someone Dies

The passing of a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and amidst the grief, there are important practical tasks that must be addressed. One of these responsibilities is ensuring that certain accounts, services, and subscriptions are canceled or updated. Managing this process can feel overwhelming, but having a clear checklist can help guide you through each step. Below is a helpful list of things to cancel or update after someone passes away, with considerations for both Mexico and the United States.

1. Social Security and Government Benefits

One of the first things to address is notifying the appropriate government agencies:

• Social Security Benefits (USA): Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to notify them of the death. This is important to avoid continued payments or legal issues. In some cases, there may be benefits available for a surviving spouse or children.
• Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS – Mexico): In Mexico, if the deceased was receiving benefits from IMSS or another pension provider, it’s important to notify these institutions. You may also inquire about any death benefits or pensions that may be available to beneficiaries.
• Veterans’ Benefits (USA): If the deceased was a veteran in the U.S., contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to stop benefits and inquire about any burial assistance available.
• Seguro de Vida para Trabajadores del Estado (Mexico): If the deceased worked for the Mexican government, there may be life insurance policies or death benefits through the government institution where they worked.

2. Health Insurance and Medical Services

• Health Insurance (Private or Government): In both Mexico and the U.S., you’ll need to notify the health insurance provider to cancel or update the policy. If the deceased was covered by an employer-sponsored or private health plan, be sure to contact them to stop billing.
• IMSS or Seguro Popular (Mexico): For those who were covered by IMSS or Seguro Popular, inform the relevant institutions to terminate the insurance.

3. Utilities and Home Services

• Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services: Whether in Mexico or the U.S., you will need to cancel or transfer these services if the home will no longer be occupied.
• Phone, Cable, and Internet: These services should also be canceled or transferred. In Mexico, companies such as Telmex or Izzi can be contacted to end these subscriptions.
• Home Security Systems: If the home had a security system, make sure to cancel or transfer this service as well.

4. Financial Accounts

• Bank Accounts: In both Mexico and the U.S., you’ll need to close personal bank accounts or transfer joint accounts to surviving family members. Contact banks such as Banorte, BBVA (Mexico), or Chase (USA) for guidance on the necessary steps.
• Credit Cards: Cancel any credit cards to prevent fraud or unauthorized use. This applies to cards issued by both Mexican and U.S. institutions, such as Bancomer, Citibanamex, or American Express.
• Loans and Mortgages: Notify the relevant lenders about the death and determine how to settle any outstanding balances. This could include mortgages, car loans, or personal loans.
• Investment Accounts: In both countries, you will need to contact financial institutions managing investments to close or transfer these accounts to the beneficiaries.

5. Subscriptions and Memberships

• Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions: Cancel any subscriptions, whether for physical or digital publications. In Mexico, many local newspapers offer delivery services that should be discontinued.
• Streaming Services: Make sure to cancel streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, or other digital platforms.
• Gym or Club Memberships: Cancel memberships to gyms or clubs like Sports World or Planet Fitness to prevent ongoing charges.
• Monthly Deliveries: Any subscription boxes, meal services, or delivery services should be canceled.

6. Insurance Policies

• Life Insurance: Contact the life insurance provider to start the claims process and cancel the policy. In Mexico, this might involve working with institutions like MetLife or GNP.
• Car Insurance: If the deceased owned a vehicle, you will need to cancel or transfer the policy. This applies to both Mexican and U.S. insurers.
• Homeowners/Renters Insurance: If the home is no longer occupied, this insurance should be canceled or transferred.

7. Email and Online Accounts

• Email Accounts: Contact the service provider to close the account and prevent potential identity theft or unauthorized access.
• Social Media Accounts: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer options to memorialize or deactivate accounts. You can contact these platforms directly to handle this.
• Online Shopping Accounts: Be sure to cancel any online shopping accounts, such as Amazon or Mercado Libre, to avoid future orders or unauthorized access.

8. Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

• Driver’s License (Mexico and USA): In both countries, you need to notify the local authorities, such as the Secretaría de Movilidad (Mexico) or the DMV (USA), to cancel the driver’s license and prevent identity theft.
• Vehicle Registration: In Mexico, you will need to contact the Secretaría de Movilidad to transfer or cancel the vehicle’s registration. Similarly, in the U.S., the DMV should be notified to update records.

9. Property and Real Estate

• Rental Agreements: If the deceased was renting a property, notify the landlord to terminate the lease. In Mexico, it is important to review the terms of the contract and any legal obligations.
• Real Estate: If the deceased owned property, the executor of the estate or a lawyer can help determine how to handle the property. This might involve selling or transferring ownership.

10. Miscellaneous Services

• Professional Services: Cancel ongoing services like housekeeping, gardening, or other professional contracts in both Mexico and the U.S.
• Charitable Donations: If the deceased was making regular donations to charities or religious organizations, these should be canceled to stop automatic payments.

Final Thoughts

The death of a loved one brings many administrative responsibilities in both Mexico and the United States. While canceling accounts and services can be stressful, this checklist can help guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary steps are taken. If you’re unsure about certain requirements, working with an estate lawyer or funeral home can provide further assistance.

At Funeraria Celis, we not only offer funeral services but are also available to guide families through these administrative tasks during this difficult time. Please contact us if you need additional support.