Reporting death of US citizen

[zuluweta 250]

My father died in the Philippines in 2011 due to natural causes. He was a naturalized U.S. Citizen. (IR-5 petition by my naturalized US citizen sister)

In my AOS biographic Information form (G-325A), I declared there that my father was deceased, although I did not indicate that he was a U.S. Citizen (it was not asked in the form).

Is my family required to inform the USCIS or some other government agency of his death because he was a U.S. Citizen?

[Ian H. 207]

I'm very sorry about your loss. The only place that I know that should be informed is the SSA. When my grandfather died, that's the first place that my mom notified. You could also notify any creditors, if he had any.

I found this link with things that should be done after someone dies, and the SSA is on there. Although many of these things wouldn't necessarily apply to you because he died a while ago, but it should help others who will see this thread in the future.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/14/death-and-finances-eight-things-to-do-after-a-loved-one-passes/

[zuluweta 250]

Hi Ian!

What's the purpose of informing SSA? He has a SSN but he never worked in the USA.

Also, I'm curious if we should have notified the US Embassy since he died outside the U.S.?

[d3adc0d3 186]

Hi Ian!

What's the purpose of informing SSA? He has a SSN but he never worked in the USA.

Also, I'm curious if we should have notified the US Embassy since he died outside the U.S.?

Informing the SSA is to prevent identity theft. People can still take out loans on a SSN of the deceased. It is to protect yourself and your family.

To report a death abroad of a US Citizen there is this helpful piece:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/abroad/events-and-records/death/CRDA.html

Since, as Ian said, it has been a long time ago, some of the items on the list is unnecessary.

Edited October 20, 2014 by d3adc0d3