How do i forward a deceased person's mail

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of a loved one. Forwarding a deceased person's mail can be a thoughtful and practical step in the grieving process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you forward their mail:

Step 1: Gather necessary documents

  1. Death certificate: You'll need a certified copy of the death certificate to prove the person's passing.
  2. Identification: You may need to provide identification to prove your relationship to the deceased person.

Step 2: Notify the USPS

  1. Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS) at 1-800-275-8777 or visit their website at usps.com.
  2. Inform them of the deceased person's passing and request to forward their mail.
  3. Provide the necessary documents (death certificate and identification).

Step 3: Fill out the necessary forms

  1. The USPS will provide you with a "Request for Forwarding of Mail" form (PS Form 3575).
  2. Fill out the form with the following information:
    • The deceased person's name and address.
    • Your name and address (where you want the mail to be forwarded to).
    • The date of death.
  3. Sign and date the form.

Step 4: Submit the forms and documents

  1. Return the completed form and supporting documents to the USPS.
  2. You can submit the forms in person at a local post office or by mail to the USPS address provided on the form.

Step 5: Wait for the mail to be forwarded

  1. The USPS will forward the deceased person's mail to your address for a period of 1 year from the date of death.
  2. You can request an extension for an additional 6 months by submitting a new form and paying a fee.

Additional tips

  1. Be aware that some mail services, such as magazine subscriptions, may require a separate request to be forwarded.
  2. If the deceased person had a PO box, you'll need to contact the post office where the PO box is located to request the contents be forwarded to you.
  3. Consider notifying other relevant parties, such as banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers, of the deceased person's passing to prevent any potential issues with their accounts.

Remember to take your time and be patient during this process. It may take a few weeks for the USPS to process your request and forward the mail.