Notify the employer — outstanding pay
Typical deadline: 14 days after the death
The employer must be notified promptly so they can pay the heirs outstanding wages and prorated bonuses and leave. Also ask whether there was group life insurance through work — it's often forgotten.
Steps
- Notify payroll or HR in writing.
- Request an itemized settlement: outstanding wages, prorated bonuses, remaining leave.
- Ask about group life insurance or an employer pension plan.
Documents usually needed
- Death certificate
Frequently asked questions
What does the employer owe the heirs?
As a rule the pay earned up to the day of death, the pro-rated holiday bonuses, and compensation for untaken leave. Ask payroll for an itemised statement in writing.
What is group insurance and why should I ask?
Many companies hold a group life policy for their staff that pays a benefit to the beneficiaries in the event of death. The family often doesn't even know it exists — ask the HR department explicitly.
Every step, in order — for your situation
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