Going through grief while managing dozens of administrative steps is one of the most exhausting experiences there is. This checklist is designed to give you a clear reference — not to rush you, but to help you miss nothing.
Print this list, share it with a trusted person, and check items off as you go. Every situation is different: some steps may not apply to your case.
Week 1 — Urgent steps
- Have the death certified — by a doctor, by calling 911 or Info-Santé (811). Required before any funeral process can begin.
- Contact the funeral home — body transfer, ceremony organization. If a pre-arrangement existed, contact the designated funeral home directly.
- Notify close family and friends — starting with those closest to the deceased.
- Obtain the first death certificates — request at least 6 to 10 copies from the Directeur de l'état civil through the funeral home.
- Find and read the will — if applicable. Identify the estate executor.
- Notify the deceased's employer — for insurance and final pay questions.
Month 1 — Important steps
- Notify Retraite Québec — death benefit (max. $2,500) and surviving spouse pension. Online at retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca.
- Notify Service Canada — old age security, employment insurance, federal benefits. 1-800-206-7218.
- Notify financial institutions — banks, caisses populaires, investment brokers. Bring death certificates.
- Notify insurers — life insurance, home and auto insurance.
- Return the health insurance card to the RAMQ.
- Cancel recurring subscriptions — phone, internet, cable, online services, magazine subscriptions.
- Notify Revenu Québec and the CRA — a final tax return must be filed. An accountant can help.
Month 3 — Estate settlement
- Inventory estate assets — with the help of a notary. This includes real estate, financial accounts, vehicles, valuables and debts.
- Settle debts and distribute inheritances — the executor ensures creditors are repaid before heirs receive their share.
Key agencies to contact
| Agency | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Directeur de l'état civil | etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca | Official death certificate |
| Retraite Québec | retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca | QPP death benefit |
| Service Canada | 1-800-206-7218 | Federal benefits |
| RAMQ | ramq.gouv.qc.ca | Health insurance card |
| Revenu Québec | revenuquebec.ca | Final tax return |
A pre-arrangement eliminates several of these steps
If the deceased had signed a funeral pre-arrangement contract, steps 2, 3 (partially) and all ceremony logistics are already handled. Your family can focus on grieving rather than logistics. This is one of the most concrete reasons why thousands of Quebecers choose to plan ahead.