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.
1Start with care
You can say"I am so sorry. We can take this one step at a time."
You can ask"Are there children or anyone else who depended on this person? Do they have a safe place tonight?"
Funeral or cremation costs? See the guide "Someone died and the family can't pay for a funeral".
For grief support, see the guide "Grieving a death and needs support".
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors are here to talk. Prayer is there if they want it, never required.
2Get death certificates
Most offices want a certified death certificate. Get several copies.
The funeral home can usually order them. See the guide "Needs a marriage, divorce or death certificate".
3Tell agencies about the death
Social Security: The funeral home usually reports the death. Ask them to be sure.
Social Security Administration
Report a death and $255 lump-sum death payment
1-800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time
Social Security takes back the check for the month the person died. Do not spend it.
A spouse or children may get survivor benefits or a $255 payment. Ask Social Security.
Veteran? Tell the VA. Ask about burial and survivor benefits.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Veteran Service Officer
Veterans benefits help
575-313-5627
WNMU campus, Juan Chacon Bldg., Room 138-A, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City · Weekdays
Report the household change for SNAP or Medicaid.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP food benefits
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
4Money, debts and bills
Do not use the person's bank card or write checks on their account, unless it is a joint account.
Debts are paid from what the person left behind. Family usually do not have to pay from their own money, unless they co-signed or shared the account.
To protect against identity theft, send a copy of the death certificate to the 3 credit bureaus.
5The home, car and belongings
Rental home: Tell the landlord in writing. Ask for time to move belongings out. Don't sign anything before getting advice.
Small estates: if the person left $50,000 or less (not counting a house), family can often collect it with a sworn paper called a small estate affidavit, 30 days after the death.
A house, land, or a bigger estate may need probate.
Grant County Probate Judge
Probate (small estates, heirship)
575-574-0071
1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City · By appointment
Car: The Motor Vehicle Division has forms to move a title after a death. Ask at MVD.
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal aid (local office)
575-388-0091
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City
New Mexico State Bar Foundation - Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP)
Free legal helpline for people 55 and older
800-876-6657
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Bring
- Death certificate, will (if any), bank statements, lease, car title, and recent bills
6Children who lost a parent
If a relative is now caring for the children, see the guide "A grandparent or relative is raising someone else's children".
Kinship Guardianship Legal Helpline
Legal help for grandparents and relatives raising a child
833-355-6944
· Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
More help like this
Someone died and the family can't pay for a funeralUse when a loved one has died and the family needs help with burial or cremation costs, paperwork, or grief.Found someone who may have diedUse when someone finds a person who is not moving, not breathing and may have died, at home, outside, in a car, a camp or a public place.Grieving a death and needs supportUse when someone is grieving the death of a family member, friend, child or partner and wants comfort, a group, or counseling.A veteran's family member needs helpUse when a spouse, child, parent or caregiver of a veteran or service member needs benefits, health coverage, counseling, money help or burial help.
See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →
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.