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Social Security
It is important to remember that Social Security Benefits must be applied for - they
are not paid automatically. Also, benefits must be applied for within a specific time frame.
To facilitate the filing of a claim for benefits, you will need the following documents:
- Death Certificate
- Birth Certificate of Deceased
- Social Security number of Deceased
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate of Applicant
- Birth Certificates of Minor Children
- Disability Proof for Children over 18
You can contact your local Social Security Office for current information on specific
benefits and claims procedures, or call the national toll-free number at: 1-800-772-1213.
Probating a Will and Changing Property Titles
If your loved one had a will, it will need to be probated in the Superior Court of Arizona.
Probate is the legal procedure for distribution of estates.
If there is no will, the estate will be distributed according to the state laws governing descent and distribution. If the
deceased's assets are worth less than $50,000, then an informal process is available.
You may contact the Superior Court Self Service Center at (602) 506-3668 or obtain informal
probate forms at: http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/ssc/forms/prob_group_9.asp.
If there are assets worth more than $50,000, you should consider consulting an attorney.
Credit Obligations
You will want to gather bills together and make sure you are aware of all the credit
obligations of the deceased. Some loans and credit card accounts may be covered by credit
life insurance, which pays off the account balance in the event of the death of the
customer. You will want to contact all financial institutions to get a status. Death
certificates are often required. If credit is held jointly you will want to find out what
documentation is required to change cards and any loans into the survivor's name alone.
Life Insurance
You will need to make a claim for the proceeds of any life insurance policies directly with
the insurance company. Life insurance policies may or may not be part of the estate. Some
policies pay out additional money when the death is the result of an accident, so read the
policy and declaration page.
Many employers and employer health insurance plans also
provide a death benefit when death results from an accident.
Potential Liability of Others
Another person, company, or entity may be responsible or liable for the death of your
family member.
There are time limits for making claims against those who may be liable.
Generally, a claim must be filed in court within two years of the collision, but if the responsible
person was on the job for a governmental entity (state, county, city, SRP, etc.) then a
Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days of the collision, or the claim is lost forever.
You may also be able to make a claim against the insured's own auto insurance. Reputable
and experienced attorneys will investigate possible claims without charge to you unless a
recovery is made.
The information provided above is not legal advice and is provided for general
informational purposes only. We recommend that you consult with an attorney to obtain
legal advice concerning your rights and obligations.
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