Advising organisations about your loss
It's likely that your family member will have had contact with various organisations and groups who will need to be advised of the passing in order to update their records.
Typically there is no urgency to do this, so do it when you’re ready. A family member or friend may be able to help with some of the contacts.
You can download the above checklist to assist you in handling your family member's accounts and memberships.
Services and organisations
There may be a number of contacts unique to your situation. The follow list is a guide that can assist you in identifying the services and organisations that you may need to contact.
To change the records in relation to your family member you may need to provide a copy of the death certificate and reference numbers, as well as other information.
- Government agencies who need to know of your family member's passing
- Australian Electoral Commission call 132 326
- Australian Taxation Office call 132 861
- Services Australia – Australian Government agency delivering payments and services for Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support
- Call their bereavement line on 132 300
- visit the Services Australia website
- Government agencies providing services to your family member
- Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) on 133 254
- My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
- Accounts and services in your family member's name
- Banks and financial institutions
- Children's school/childcare, sporting and recreational groups
- Clubs and memberships (such as sporting, recreational, RSL)
- Education providers such as school, TAFE or university
- Insurance companies including home, health, car
- Local council (rates, libraries, other council services)
- Subscriptions to magazines/publications/video on demand such as Netflix, Foxtel, Stan
- Superannuation fund/s (the employer may be able to help)
- Union/professional associations
- Utility companies such as electricity, water, gas and phone/internet
- VicRoads for vehicle registration and any licences
- People managing your family member's affairs
- Accountant
- Executor of will
- Family lawyer
- Medical practitioner, healthcare professionals and dentist
- Priest, minister or theological advisor
Handling your loved one's social media accounts
It's difficult to know how to handle a loved one's social media and email accounts. You can close these accounts with the correct documentation, however some accounts don't have to be deleted or closed. For instance a Facebook account can be turned into a memorial page if you wish.
How to close a social media account
Social media networks usually have procedures in place to deal with the accounts of members who have passed away. As these procedures can differ between networks the best thing to do is to search the help section of the network in question if you wish to close an account.
We have provided a list of links on how to close each of the social media and email account types in the checklist at the top of the page. Each account may need a number of different documents, so you should check each one to find out what you will need.
Removing your family member from mailing lists
To remove your family member's details from mailing lists, you can register their details on the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising website (ADMA).
Information and support you might need
Find support with Ask Izzy
Support services you can use any time you need extra support including food parcels, housing help, financial aid, mental wellness, specialty health assistance and counselling.