DANDELION GUIDE: AFTER THE GOODBYE

How to Cancel Services

Cancel and Close with Care

Canceling a deceased family member's services can be a complicated process, but here’s a guide to help:

Step One: Gather Necessary Documents

  • Most companies require a copy.

  • If you’re the trustee or executor or next of kin, you may need legal documents (e.g., Letters of Administration).

  • Bills, account numbers, or login details. Make a list of all the accounts (bank, credit cards, utilities, subscriptions, social media, email etc.). Look for statements, emails, or check their phone for account-related notifications.

Step 2: Notify and Cancel Services

    • Social Security Administration – Call 1-800-772-1213 to stop benefits.

    • Medicare/Medicaid – ContactMedicare.gov or local Medicaid offices.

    • Department of Motor Vehicles – Cancel driver's license and vehicle registration.

    • Local Election Office – Prevent voter fraud by removing them from voter rolls.

    • Postal Services (USPS) - Forward mail to a designated person or request a mail hold. Keep mail forwarding for at least a year to gather all possible bills and notices that need to be handled.

    • Banks and Credit Unions – Close checking/savings accounts and cancel direct deposits. Call the customer service line or visit a branch. They may require the death certificate and proof of your authority (like an executor document).

    • Credit Cards – Notify companies to cancel cards and prevent fraud.

    • Loans and Mortgages – Contact lenders to settle outstanding debts or transfer the payment method.

    • Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, Pension) – Inform plan administrators.

    • Life Insurance Policies – File claims and cancel policies if necessary.

    • Mortgage or Rent – Notify the mortgage company or landlord.

    • Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash, Internet, Phone, Cable) – Cancel or transfer services.

    • Home Security and Pest Control – Cancel subscriptions.

    • Streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) – Log in or call to cancel.

    • Magazines and Newspapers – Contact customer service.

    • Gym Memberships and Clubs – Cancel memberships.

    • Amazon Prime and Online Accounts – Close or transfer ownership.

    • Health, Auto, and Home Insurance – Cancel policies or update beneficiaries.

    • Pharmacy and Prescription Services – Inform the pharmacy to stop refills.

    • Email Accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) – Request closure or memorialization.

    • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) – Request account deletion or memorialization.

    • Apple ID / Google Account – Close or transfer data access.

✱ Automatic Payments and Unexpected Charges

  • Monitor credit cards and checking accounts for a few months.

  • Look for recurring charges or unexpected charges.

  • Cancel any recurring charges linked to their accounts to avoid unnecessary withdrawals.

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