What to Do When a Death Takes Place
Losing someone you love is never easy. In the middle of grief, there are urgent steps that must be taken—some within hours, others over the coming days and weeks. Here are the key steps at a glance. For more detail, download our full version, which walks you through each step in order with simple language and reminders about what will happen next.
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Do Immediately (first hours)
Confirm the death
- Hospital or care facility: staff will confirm and guide you.
- At home (expected): call nurse or physician.
- At home (unexpected): call 911.
- Funeral home will arrange transportation of your loved one.
- If the deceased is not a CMS member: Choose a funeral home carefully. Always request a full written quotation before committing, as prices vary by provider and location.
- If the deceased is a CMS member: Contact a CMS Funeral Home Partner near you. Review the CMS plans and prices available in your area (these vary by provider and location). The most commonly chosen and least expensive plan is Plan B1 – Basic Cremation, though the best choice is always the one that aligns with your loved one’s wishes. It is also possible they may have already purchased a plan in advance.
- If vacant, notify landlord or call police (non-emergency).
- Arrange care for pets.
- Lock house and vehicles.
Do Soon (within a few days)
Gather key information (funeral home will guide you)
Decide on arrangements (if not pre-planned)
- Photo ID, pre-planning documents
- Social Insurance Number (SIN), Alberta Health Number, veteran service number (if applicable)
- Full name, birth details, marital status, parents’ names
Decide on arrangements (if not pre-planned)
- It is important to honour any wishes left by the deceased. If no instructions were provided, you will need to decide on:
- Burial, cremation, or other disposition
- Type of service (religious, secular, celebration of life, or none)
- Location, date, time
- Participants (pallbearers, clergy, musicians, speakers)
- Funeral home completes Alberta Registration of Death.
- Request certified copies of Death Certificates.
- Originals may be required by some organizations; others accept scans.
- Prepare one short version (newspapers) and one longer version (online).
- Consider writing it yourself to save costs.
- CMS offers free obituary templates.
- Family and friends
- Employer(s)
- Banks, insurance companies, CPP/OAS, Alberta Health Care
- Utilities and service providers
Do Later (over weeks to months)
Use after-care services (if desired)
Remember: Only three things must happen right away—confirm the death, contact a funeral provider, and secure property and pets. Everything else can be managed step by step in the days and weeks ahead.
- Apply for CPP/OAS/Veterans benefits
- Cancel licenses and accounts
- Manage banking matters
- File final taxes
- Apply for probate if required
- Pay outstanding debts and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- Seek legal/financial advice for smoother process
- CMS lists reasonably priced professionals under Member Resources
- Access grief supports: AHS Grief Resources
- Reach out to friends, family, or community groups for help with meals, childcare, or errands.
- Healing takes time—accept support where offered.
Remember: Only three things must happen right away—confirm the death, contact a funeral provider, and secure property and pets. Everything else can be managed step by step in the days and weeks ahead.
