When someone dies, their employer must handle final pay and benefits, but family or the estate usually has to initiate contact and provide documentation.
You (or the executor) usually must notify the employer.
HR does not always receive automatic notice of a death.
Final wages must still be paid, but:
Payment rules vary by state.
Wages are often paid to a surviving spouse, a legally designated heir, or the estate.
Employers typically do not send final pay by direct deposit to the deceased’s account.
Benefits are handled separately and often pay directly to beneficiaries, including:
Employer-provided life insurance or AD&D.
Retirement plans (401(k), pension).
Health benefits (coverage ends at death; dependents may qualify for COBRA).
HR will usually act as a coordinator, not a decision-maker:
They provide plan contacts, claim forms, and instructions.
Beneficiaries must file claims themselves with insurers or plan administrators.
Delays or assumptions can cause:
Final pay to get stuck in a frozen bank account.
Missed benefit claims or deadlines.
Confusion over PTO payouts or commissions.
Extra stress when families are already overwhelmed.
Knowing what to ask — and what to expect — keeps money from disappearing into administrative limbo.
Make one focused HR call. You do not need to solve everything at once.
How and when final wages and accrued PTO will be paid.
Which benefits were active (life insurance, retirement, health).
Who the beneficiaries on file are (if they can confirm).
What documents are required to release payments or start claims.
“Hello, my name is [Name]. I’m calling about [Employee’s full name], who passed away on [date]. I’m trying to understand next steps for final pay and benefits. Could you connect me with HR or benefits, and let me know what documents you need from me?”
Certified death certificate.
Proof of relationship or authority.
Executor paperwork (if acting for the estate).
W-9 for final wage payment.
Benefit claim forms.
You don’t need to know everything — HR’s job is to walk you through their process.
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