Losing a Loved One

Whether expected or unexpected, the death of a loved one creates a wide range of emotions and life changes that have to be addressed.

As you begin to get your loved one's financial affairs in order, one of the first things you should do is review his or her benefits package. You should also make whatever changes are necessary to your own benefits. This section provides you with information that can help you confront some of the emotional and financial issues involved with the passing of a loved one.


Things to Consider:


1. Update Your Benefits

If your dependent is enrolled in your benefits, contact the HBC Benefit Service Center at 1-800-498-8705 to report the death and remove them from your benefits. A certified copy of the death certificate will be required and can be loaded to the Benefit portal during the enrollment change process.


2. File Life Insurance Claims

If your dependent was enrolled in Life Insurance, contact the SFA Benefit Service Center at 1-800-498-8705 to report the death and begin your claim. Note: In general, a certified copy of the death certificate will be required.


3. Review Tax Withholding

For instructions on how to update your tax withholding elections with SFA, view the Resources section of this page. 


4. Change Emergency Contact Information

For instructions on how to update your emergency contact information with HBC, view the Resources section of this page. 


5. Consider Changes to Your Beneficiary Designation

    • Contact Merrill at 1-888-335-8218 to make changes to your 401(k) beneficiary
    • Contact WEX at 1-800-498-8705 to make changes to your insurance beneficiary


What Should I know about Social Security and VA Benefits?


Social Security:

Contact your nearest Social Security office for information on survivor benefits. A deceased person's spouse, minor children, or even divorced spouse, are sometimes entitled to benefits. However, Social Security laws change frequently so check with your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 for additional information.


Be prepared to provide:

        • The death certificate (or a certified copy)
        • The Social Security number of the deceased
        • The decedent's latest W-2 form or tax return
        • The name and address of the decedent's employer
        • Social Security numbers of spouse and minor children
        • Birth certificates of spouse and minor children
        • Marriage certificate
        • Divorce papers, if applicable


Veterans Administration:

For assistance in filing claims for veterans and survivor benefits, counseling or emergency financial assistance, contact:


Disabled American Veterans

P.O. Box 14301

Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

1-606-441-6300


For information on military funerals, contact:


Veterans of Foreign Wars

VFW Memorial Building

200 Maryland Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20002

1-202-543-2239