Can you redirect a deceased person's mail
What a thoughtful question!
Redirecting a deceased person's mail can be a bit of a process, but it's possible. Here are the general steps:
- Notify the USPS: You'll need to contact the United States Postal Service (USPS) to report the death and request a mail forwarding service. You can do this by:
- Visiting your local post office and speaking with a postal employee.
- Calling the USPS Customer Service number at 1-800-275-8777.
- Filling out the "Request for Mail Forwarding" form (PS Form 3575) and mailing it to the USPS.
- Gather necessary documents: You'll need to provide proof of the person's death, such as:
- A death certificate.
- A copy of the obituary.
- A letter from a funeral home or other authorized entity confirming the person's passing.
- Fill out the mail forwarding form: You'll need to complete the "Request for Mail Forwarding" form (PS Form 3575) with the following information:
- The deceased person's name and address.
- Your name and address (the new recipient of the mail).
- The period of time you'd like the mail to be forwarded (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
- Submit the form and documents: Take the completed form and supporting documents to your local post office or mail them to the USPS.
- Wait for confirmation: The USPS will review your request and confirm whether the mail forwarding service can be set up. This may take a few days to a week.
Important notes:
- The USPS will only forward mail that is addressed to the deceased person at their last known address.
- Mail forwarding services are typically only available for a limited time (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
- You may need to provide additional documentation or information to complete the process.
- If the deceased person had a PO box, you'll need to contact the post office where the PO box is located to request mail forwarding.
Remember to also notify other relevant parties, such as banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers, of the person's passing to ensure that their mail and accounts are properly handled.