These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Right away
If the death just happened at home and wasn't expected, call 911.
Baca's Funeral Chapels & Baca's Silver City Crematory
Funeral home and crematory (including direct cremation)
575-388-2334
3805 Delk Dr, Silver City
2Help paying
Grant County Government
Indigent burial or cremation assistance
575-574-0000
1400 Highway 180 E, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
State burial assistance (up to $200) for people on assistance
800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans burial allowance and plot allowance (incl. unclaimed veterans)
1-800-827-1000
· Phone Mon-Fri 8am-9pm Eastern
NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission
Crime victim compensation
800-306-6262
Albuquerque (address shared by phone)
3Paperwork
Social Security Administration
Report a death and $255 lump-sum death payment
1-800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time
NM Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records
Birth/death certificates by phone (VitalChek)
877-284-0963
2554 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe · VitalChek phone/online; NMDOH Helpline weekdays 7am-8pm, weekends 10am-4pm
4Grief support
Mesilla Valley Hospice - Center for Grief Services
Free grief counseling and support for the community
575-525-5752
299 E Montana Ave, Las Cruces · By appointment. Public groups (registration required): Thu 10am Grief Cafe; Thu 1pm Parents of Adult Children; Thu 4pm Open Group; 1st & 3rd Thu 11:15am Spanish group
Harvest Church Silver City
GriefShare support group
575-538-3619
1500 N. Hudson St., Silver City · Thursdays 6-8pm; current session Sep 24 - Dec 17, 2026
At the Gospel MissionStaff and volunteers can sit with the family and pray with them if they want.
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.