After a Death Checklist

What you will need

• Date of death (date): Used to set reminder dates, such as reporting the estate to the Master.
• How did the person die?: Unnatural deaths involve the police and Forensic Pathology Services before the funeral.
• Your relationship to the person: Shows the items most likely to be yours to do.
• Is there a will? (More detail): If not sure, the list adds steps to search for it.
• Was the person working or on a pension? (More detail): Adds employer, fund, UIF or SASSA steps.
• Did they leave children under 18? (More detail) (yes/no): Adds guardianship, maintenance and grant steps.

How it works

items = BASE_ITEMS FIRST 7 DAYS: - If death_type == 'natural': get the doctor's notification of death (or ask the hospital); if death_type != 'natural': SAPS and Forensic Pathology Services handle the body; ask for the case number and the family liaison contact. - Choose a funeral parlour; get a written quote (see Funeral Planning Checklist). - Register the death with Home Affairs (usually done by the funeral parlour); get the death certificate and burial order; request several certified copies. - Find funeral policies and burial societies; start claims. - Secure the home, car, keys, phone and important papers. - Tell the employer (if employed) and ask about family responsibility leave for yourself. - Look after yourself: eat, sleep, accept help. FIRST 30 DAYS: - due_master = date_of_death + 14 days: report the estate to the Master of the High Court (death notice and documents), or instruct an attorney. Show as 'usually within 14 days' with reminder on due_master. - If had_will != 'yes': search papers, bank, attorney, adviser for the original will; any holder must lodge it with the Master. - Tell banks (accounts will be frozen), insurers, medical aid, SARS, municipality, cellphone and credit providers. Keep a log of dates and reference numbers. - If was_employed == 'employed': ask the employer and retirement fund about death benefits, group life cover and final pay; ask about UIF dependants' benefits. - If was_employed == 'pensioner': notify the fund or GEPF and ask about spouse's or dependants' pension. - If was_employed == 'receiving SASSA grant': notify SASSA; if minor_children, new caregiver applies for child support or foster child grant. - If minor_children: confirm who is caring for the children; speak to a social worker about guardianship and grants. - Set up household money in your own name (see Money Changes After a Death). FIRST 6 MONTHS: - Follow up the executor or representative monthly for updates; keep the Master's reference number. - Check the liquidation and distribution account when it is advertised; object in writing if something is wrong. - Cancel or transfer accounts, subscriptions, vehicle licence, municipal accounts, as allowed by the executor. - Park any lump sum safely; get FSCA-authorised advice before investing or lending. - Plan the unveiling or other later rituals when the family is ready. - Check in on your grief: take the Grief Self-Check at 3 and 6 months. progress_pct = completed_items / applicable_items * 100 overdue = items where reminder_date < today and not completed

What you get

• Your personalised checklist by phase
• Steps completed
• Next step and date

What it means

• Because the death was unnatural, the funeral may be delayed until the post-mortem is done; ask the mortuary liaison for timelines.
• The estate is usually reported to the Master within 14 days; it is not too late, but it is worth doing this week or asking an attorney to help.
• Children's care and grants come first; a social worker can help at no cost.
• Most of the practical steps are done; make room for your own grief as well.

Next step: Want help interpreting this? Speak to a counsellor through the Cleared Mind Careline, or book an estates attorney or FSCA-authorised adviser from the Legal and Money hubs.

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