How do you stop mail for a deceased person

Stopping mail for a deceased person can be a bit of a process, but it's an important step to help prevent identity theft and reduce clutter. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you stop mail for a deceased person:

Immediate Steps

1. Notify the USPS: Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS) to report the death and request that they stop mail delivery to the deceased person's address. You can do this by:
   • Calling the USPS Customer Service at 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS)
   • Visiting your local post office and speaking with a postal employee
   • Filling out the "Request to Stop Mail Delivery" form (PS Form 3575) and submitting it to your local post office
2. Notify the DMV: Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the death to prevent the deceased person's driver's license or ID from being used fraudulently. You can do this by:
   • Contacting your state's DMV office or visiting their website
   • Providing the deceased person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number
3. Notify the Social Security Administration: Inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death to prevent the deceased person's Social Security benefits from being paid to someone else. You can do this by:
   • Calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
   • Visiting your local SSA office
   • Filling out the "Report of Death" form (Form SSA-721) and submitting it to your local SSA office

Long-term Steps

1. Notify the credit reporting agencies: Inform the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) of the death to prevent identity theft and remove the deceased person's credit information from their records. You can do this by:
   • Contacting each agency separately or using a service like Identity Theft Protection
   • Providing the deceased person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number
2. Notify the deceased person's bank and creditors: Inform the deceased person's bank, credit card companies, and other creditors of the death to prevent fraudulent activity and ensure that any outstanding debts are handled properly. You can do this by:
   • Contacting each institution separately
   • Providing the deceased person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number
3. Notify the deceased person's employer: Inform the deceased person's employer of the death to prevent any issues with payroll or benefits. You can do this by:
   • Contacting the HR department or supervisor
   • Providing the deceased person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number

Additional Tips

• Keep a record of all notifications and correspondence to ensure that all necessary steps have been taken.
• Consider hiring a professional to handle the deceased person's estate and affairs, especially if there are complex financial or legal issues involved.
• Be patient and persistent, as stopping mail and notifications can take some time and may require multiple follow-ups.

Remember to always prioritize the deceased person's privacy and security when taking these steps.