Death of a loved one – full checklist of things to do
6 tasks in suggested order
1. Report the death to the Civil Registry Office and obtain the death certificate.
Within 3 days of the death card being issued. If the death resulted from an infectious disease, within 24 hours of the death.
At the Civil Registry Office (USC) competent for the place of death.
The death card, the deceased person's identity document, and the reporting person's identity document.
In the event of death outside a medical facility, first call a doctor or emergency services; do not move the body before an examination takes place.
Official source: gov.pl
2. Arrange the funeral or cremation with the chosen funeral home and cemetery administrator, and keep receipts for the costs you pay.
After obtaining the documents needed to arrange the funeral.
Selected funeral home and cemetery administrator.
Death certificate/card, ID of the person ordering the service, and items required by the service provider.
The funeral home is the service provider; check the scope and price of the contract.
3. If you have incurred funeral costs and meet the criteria, apply for the funeral allowance.
As a rule, within 12 months of the date of death; in special cases where earlier filing was impossible for reasons beyond the entitled person's control, the deadline may be counted from the date of the funeral.
With ZUS or another competent pension authority, depending on the deceased person's insurance.
Application, death certificate, cost invoices, and documents confirming eligibility.
The amount and conditions vary; Do not delay submitting the application and make use of up-to-date information from the relevant authority.
Official source: gov.pl
4. Secure the deceased person's home and important documents, and before closing accounts or disposing of assets, check whether you are legally entitled to do so.
After the death, before taking action involving the deceased person's assets or contracts.
Specific service providers and institutions used by the deceased.
Death certificate, contract numbers, and a document confirming the right to act (if required).
A close relative cannot always immediately access or manage the deceased's accounts and contracts.
5. If you need to prove who inherits, obtain a court declaration of inheritance acquisition or, if the conditions are met, a registered notarial deed of inheritance certification.
After the death, when you need formal confirmation of legal succession.
At the probate court or with a notary, if a notarial deed of inheritance certification can be prepared.
Civil status records, the will, details of the heirs, and a list of assets and liabilities.
Do not assume or repay debts without understanding the consequences of the chosen method of accepting the inheritance.
Official source: ELI / Dziennik Ustaw
6. Check whether the spouse, children, or other eligible family members are entitled to a survivor's pension and, if necessary, submit an application.
After the death, if you meet the conditions for the benefit.
With ZUS or another competent pension authority.
Death certificate, family and insurance documents, and the application.
A survivor's pension is not part of the estate and is subject to its own conditions.
Official source: gov.pl
