Start with the most important things first
For most people, it can be difficult to know what to do after a death and in what order. Start by notifying others of the death, preparing the funeral, obtaining the necessary certificates for the estate, and cancelling subscriptions and direct debits.
Here is an overview of the first practical steps that need to be taken.
Important dates after the death
- The burial must take place as soon as possible and no later than one month after the death.
- The estate inventory must be submitted within four months.
- The estate must file a tax return in the following calendar year.
Notify others of the death
It is important that immediate family members, heirs and others the deceased was in contact with are informed of the death. This may include relatives, friends, employers, colleagues and neighbours. You do not have to handle all the contacts yourself – feel free to ask others for help.
Obtain the necessary certificates for the estate
To manage the deceased's financial and legal affairs, you need a death certificate with a family record. This document shows when the person died and who the surviving relatives are. If there are several beneficiaries of the estate, it may be practical to appoint one person to represent the estate under a written power of attorney.
Prepare the funeral
It can be difficult to find a funeral date that suits everyone who wishes to attend. However, if you start planning well in advance, there is a greater chance of saying goodbye in the way you want. In some locations, it may be difficult to find an available venue for the ceremony and memorial gathering. The funeral director can help with the death notice so that you can inform others about the death and the funeral.
Accept help and support
There are many things to take care of when someone has died. Do not hesitate to accept help if it is offered, or to ask someone for support. You may find comfort in someone close to you when you are grieving, but other forms of support are also available.
Efterlevandeguiden has a checklist that you can share with others by email.
Talk to the bank about bills and accounts
Go through the deceased's accounts, direct debits, credit cards and invoices together with the bank. Some bills must be paid immediately, while others can wait until the estate inventory has been completed. The bank will need a death certificate and, if applicable, a power of attorney confirming that you are authorised to represent the estate.
Cancel or transfer subscriptions
You need to decide whether subscriptions in the deceased's name should be cancelled or transferred to someone else. This also applies to agreements for services such as electricity, waste collection, TV, telephone and home insurance. You should also review memberships and subscriptions.
Save and organize documents for the estate inventory
Open incoming mail and sort the documents that may be needed later. It can feel overwhelming at first, but organising them into separate folders can help.
Some documents will be needed for the estate inventory, such as bills you have paid or will handle later, as well as receipts for expenses you have covered that the estate may need to reimburse you for.
The death is registered with the Swedish Tax Agency
Government agencies and municipalities are automatically informed of the death through the population register. A doctor must submit a death certificate to the Swedish Tax Agency if the death occurs in Sweden. If the death occurs abroad, you need to contact the Swedish embassy, which will in turn inform the Swedish Tax Agency.
Power of attorney to represent the estate
t may be practical for one person to administer the estate; for example, the widow, widower or one of the children who are parties to the estate. It may even be a cohabiting partner or an external estate administrator, or some other representative. The person administering the estate requires a signed power of attorney from each of the parties to the estate. Efterlevandeguiden includes a template for a power of attorney for the estate in PDF format that you can download and print out.
Benefits may cease
Benefits from the Swedish Pensions Agency are paid for the entire month in which the death occurred. After that, entitlement to the benefit ceases.
If the deceased received benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, these will in most cases cease automatically.
Benefits if you have lost a close relative (forsakringskassan.se, in Swedish) External link.
Financial support for survivors from the Swedish Pensions Agency
A spouse or child who is entitled to a survivor's pension or survivor's support usually receives the benefit automatically, without having to apply. In some cases, however, an application is required.
- Adjustment pension (pensionsmyndigheten.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Child pension and survivor's support (pensionsmyndigheten.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Widow´s pension (pensionsmyndigheten.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Death due to occupational injury (pensionsmyndigheten.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Survivor's pension for people living abroad (pensionsmyndigheten.se, in Swedish) External link.
Parental benefit from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency when a child dies
Parents who lose a child, either in connection with childbirth or later in life, may be entitled to benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). You will receive a letter from Försäkringskassan explaining which benefits you may apply for.
If you have lost a child (forsakringskassan.se, in Swedish) External link.
Checklist – after a death
Use the checklist to get an overview of what needs to be done after a death. Take one thing at a time, in the order that suits you, and adapt the list to your situation.
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