How to get mail forwarded when someone dies

When someone passes away, it's essential to notify the relevant authorities, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), to ensure that their mail is properly handled. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get mail forwarded when someone dies:

1. Notify the USPS: Contact the local post office or the USPS's National Customer Service Center at 1-800-275-8777 to report the death. Provide the deceased person's name, address, and date of death. The USPS will update their records and forward any undeliverable mail to the executor or administrator of the estate.
2. Gather necessary documents: You'll need to provide proof of the deceased person's death, such as:
   • A death certificate
   • A copy of the obituary
   • A letter from a funeral home or mortuary
   • A court document (e.g., probate court order or letter testamentary)
3. Fill out the USPS's "Request for Forwarding of Mail" form: You can download the form from the USPS website or pick one up at your local post office. Fill it out completely, including the following information:
   • The deceased person's name and address
   • The name and address of the executor or administrator of the estate
   • The date of death
   • The type of mail you want forwarded (e.g., first-class, priority, package)
4. Submit the form and supporting documents: Take the completed form and supporting documents to your local post office or mail them to the USPS's National Customer Service Center. The USPS will review your request and forward any undeliverable mail to the executor or administrator of the estate.
5. Notify other relevant parties: Inform other parties that may be affected by the deceased person's passing, such as:
   • Banks and financial institutions
   • Credit card companies
   • Insurance companies
   • Utility providers
   • Online services (e.g., streaming services, social media platforms)
6. Monitor and respond to mail: The executor or administrator of the estate should monitor the mail and respond to any important correspondence, such as:
   • Bills and invoices
   • Legal documents
   • Correspondence from government agencies
   • Notifications from financial institutions

Remember to keep the following in mind:

• The USPS will only forward mail for a limited time (usually 6-12 months) before it's returned to the sender as undeliverable.
• If the deceased person had a PO box, you'll need to contact the post office where the PO box is located to request that it be closed and any remaining mail forwarded.
• If the deceased person had a mailbox or a private mail service, you'll need to contact the provider directly to request that their mail be forwarded.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the deceased person's mail is properly handled and forwarded to the appropriate party.