PENSION AUTHORITIES
Centrelink or Veteran’s Affairs and overseas pension authorities should be advised as soon as possible. They will provide information on benefits due to a surviving spouse and advise if the pension has been overpaid.

LOCAL GOVT & WATER AUTHORITIES
Arrange for future rate notices to be issued in the appropriate name/s and enquire about pensioner concessions, if applicable.

ELECTRICITY, GAS AND PHONE SERVICES
Arrange transfer or cancellation of services as desired and enquire about pensioner concessions, if applicable.

GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANIES
Obtain Certificates of Currency for building, contents and motor vehicle insurance policies. Be sure to advise insurer if deceased’s home is to be unoccupied for any length of time.

SUPER & LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Obtain details of all benefits due to the estate and requirements to settle any claims.

SHARE & INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Obtain full details of all investments held in the sole name of the deceased or held jointly with others. Jointly owned investments pass to the survivor on production of the Death Certificate.

FURNITURE & PERSONAL EFFECTS
Secure the deceased’s home to prevent unauthorized entry and theft. Remove all jewellery, art works and other transportable valuables and store in a safe place.

DEBTORS
Obtain details of any loans or other debts due to the deceased by others.

HEALTH FUND MEMBERSHIPS
Arrange for cancellation of Medicare card and for the transfer or cancellation of private health fund membership.

TRADE UNION &RSL MEMBERSHIPS
Arrange for membership records to be noted accordingly and obtain details of any death or funeral benefits due.

ACCOUNTANT OR FINANCIAL ADVISER
Obtain copies of previous Income Tax returns and any Capital Gains Tax records maintained on behalf of the deceased.

BANKS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Accounts in the name of the deceased are ‘frozen’ until any formal requirements are met. Funds will normally be released earlier to meet funeral expenses. Jointly – owned accounts are unaffected and pass to survivor, usually on production of a Death Certificate.

MOTOR REGISTRATION OFFICE
Returned deceased’s driver’s license for cancellation and arrange ‘transmission’ of any motor vehicles owned solely by the deceased. Jointly-owned vehicles will be re-registered in the name of the survivor on production of the Death Certificate.

FORMER EMPLOYER
Obtain details of accrued salary, annual leave and long service leave entitlements or other benefits due. Also ask for Group Tax Certificate or Statement of Termination Payment.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Arrange for patient records to be noted accordingly and ask for final account for services rendered but as yet unpaid.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OR LANDLORD
Arrange for vacation and cleaning of rented property and hand over of keys. Be sure to apply for refund of security bond where appropriate.

MAGAZINE & OTHER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Arrange for cancellation of all subscriptions and deliveries and ask for final account.

STORE & CREDIT PROVIDERS
Return credit card for cancellation and ask for final account and statement.

LEASE OR HIRE COMPANIES
Arrange for return of leased or hired goods and ask for final accounts.

CREDITORS
Obtain full details of any mortgage, loan or other personal debts due by the deceased to other parties.

AUSTRALIAN TAX OFFICE
Whether the deceased has lodging Income Tax Returns or not, advise the Tax Office and ask for details of any outstanding requirements.

AUSTRALIA POST
Call at any Post Office to arrange for redirection of mail, if necessary. This service is free of charge if the Will and Death Certificate can be produced.