Someone in My Family Passed Away

THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE AND IS NOT MEANT TO REPLACE LEGAL ADVICE. EACH SITUATION IS UNIQUE.

• If the person died at home under hospice care, contact the hospice. They can make the formal pronouncement of death and help with the body.
• If the person died at home without hospice, call 911. If the person had a “do not resuscitate” order, have a copy of it on hand to show emergency personnel when they arrive.
• Contact a mortuary or funeral home to set up funeral services. Here is a list of mortuaries in Boulder County.
• Obtain copies of the death certificate. These can be provided by the funeral home or the Coroner’s office.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to report the date the person died. SSA provides death benefits in limited circumstances.
• If the person was in the military, contact them to see if the person was eligible for any death benefits or funeral assistance.
• If the person received public assistance benefits in Boulder County, please contact Housing and Human Services to report the date the person died.
• Every adult should set up advance directives naming a person to make decisions about your medical care in the event you are unable to do so.