Checklist: WHAT TO DO WHEN A SENIOR DIES
When someone dies there are numerous agencies, businesses, and government departments you may need to inform.
Notifications and Documentation
❑ Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Provide the CRA with the date of death as soon as possible.
- Call: 1-800-959-8281.
- Refer to Guide RC4111 "What to Do Following a Death" at www.cra.gc.ca.
❑ Notify Service Canada
- Call: 1-800-277-9914.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to cancel Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
❑ Obtain Tax Information
- Gather the deceased person’s tax records.
- Pay any tax installments due before the date of death.
- To appoint an authorized representative to manage tax matters, complete Form T1013.
- Note: Fees paid to you as an Executor may need to be reported on a T4.
Financial Assistance Programs
❑ Notify Seniors Financial Assistance Program
- For low-income individuals over 65.
- Call: 1-877-644-9992 with the deceased’s personal health number.
❑ Notify Alberta Seniors Benefit
- Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992.
- Provide the name, date of death, and Personal Health Number of the deceased.
Survivor Benefits
❑ Apply for Survivor Benefits
- Check eligibility and apply through Service Canada.
❑ Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Provide the CRA with the date of death as soon as possible.
- Call: 1-800-959-8281.
- Refer to Guide RC4111 "What to Do Following a Death" at www.cra.gc.ca.
❑ Notify Service Canada
- Call: 1-800-277-9914.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to cancel Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
❑ Obtain Tax Information
- Gather the deceased person’s tax records.
- Pay any tax installments due before the date of death.
- To appoint an authorized representative to manage tax matters, complete Form T1013.
- Note: Fees paid to you as an Executor may need to be reported on a T4.
Financial Assistance Programs
❑ Notify Seniors Financial Assistance Program
- For low-income individuals over 65.
- Call: 1-877-644-9992 with the deceased’s personal health number.
❑ Notify Alberta Seniors Benefit
- Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992.
- Provide the name, date of death, and Personal Health Number of the deceased.
Survivor Benefits
❑ Apply for Survivor Benefits
- Check eligibility and apply through Service Canada.
Common Questions
How do I know if I am the legal representative?
- You are named as personal representative/executor in the will.
- You are appointed as the administrator of the estate by a court.
- You are the liquidator for an estate in Quebec.
- If there is no legal representative, responsibility passes to a family member in the following order: Spouse, Child, Child’s Parent, Sibling, Grandchild, Nephew/Niece, Other sole remaining relation.
- Complete Form RC552, available at canada.ca/cra-forms or call 1-800-387-1193.
- A Funeral Director’s Death Certificate (5-10 copies) should be sufficient for most cases (vehicle registry, banks, etc.).
- If the Funeral Director’s document is not sufficient (settling investments, canceling a health card, etc.), a certificate can be ordered from a private registry agent.
If the deceased’s name is on the title of a property or home:
❑ Contact Land Titles at 1.780.427.2742.
If the deceased dies without a will:
❑ Contact the Public Trustee at 1.780.427.2744.
Finances and Insurance
❑ Cancel and destroy credit cards, and empty safety deposit boxes.
❑ Notify the bank and either close or update accounts. The bank will require a copy of the will and death certificate.
When should I consider hiring a lawyer?
❑ There are numerous assets, accounts, and beneficiaries.
❑ There is a possibility the will is going to be contested.
Vehicle, Utilities & Insurance
❑ Notify phone, internet, cable companies.
❑ Notify gas & electricity companies.
❑ Notify home, vehicle and life insurance companies.
If you are not able to identify the source life insurance company or cannot find the policy of the deceased, the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance, Toll Free: 1.888.295.8112 may be able to assist.
If a vehicle is registered in the name of the deceased:
❑ Contact Service Alberta at 1.780.427.7013.
❑ Remove the deceased’s name from car insurance. Parking placards may be cancelled at any Registries office.
Social Media and Internet Accounts
• Closing email accounts may prevent identity theft.
• For social media accounts, consider three basic options:
❑ Delete all accounts (activity and photos will be lost)
❑ Keep accounts up but not active
❑ Memorialize the accounts
❑ Contact Land Titles at 1.780.427.2742.
If the deceased dies without a will:
❑ Contact the Public Trustee at 1.780.427.2744.
Finances and Insurance
❑ Cancel and destroy credit cards, and empty safety deposit boxes.
❑ Notify the bank and either close or update accounts. The bank will require a copy of the will and death certificate.
When should I consider hiring a lawyer?
❑ There are numerous assets, accounts, and beneficiaries.
❑ There is a possibility the will is going to be contested.
Vehicle, Utilities & Insurance
❑ Notify phone, internet, cable companies.
❑ Notify gas & electricity companies.
❑ Notify home, vehicle and life insurance companies.
If you are not able to identify the source life insurance company or cannot find the policy of the deceased, the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance, Toll Free: 1.888.295.8112 may be able to assist.
If a vehicle is registered in the name of the deceased:
❑ Contact Service Alberta at 1.780.427.7013.
❑ Remove the deceased’s name from car insurance. Parking placards may be cancelled at any Registries office.
Social Media and Internet Accounts
• Closing email accounts may prevent identity theft.
• For social media accounts, consider three basic options:
❑ Delete all accounts (activity and photos will be lost)
❑ Keep accounts up but not active
❑ Memorialize the accounts
If the deceased was a veteran receiving benefits or support services, contact:
❑ Veterans Affairs Canada: 1.866.522.2122 (English) / 1.866.522.2022 (François)
Some veterans may be eligible for assistance with funeral costs, contact the Last Post Fund Toll-Free: 1.800.465.7113
Email: [email protected] www.lastpostfund.ca.
❑ Veterans Affairs Canada: 1.866.522.2122 (English) / 1.866.522.2022 (François)
Some veterans may be eligible for assistance with funeral costs, contact the Last Post Fund Toll-Free: 1.800.465.7113
Email: [email protected] www.lastpostfund.ca.