Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and managing their affairs can feel overwhelming. One important task is handling their mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides services to help you stop or forward mail for someone who has passed away, ensuring their mail is managed respectfully and efficiently. This guide will walk you through the steps to manage mail for the deceased through the USPS.
Reducing Unwanted Advertising Mail
One of the first things you may notice is the amount of advertising mail still arriving for the deceased. The Data & Marketing Association (DMA) offers a valuable service to help reduce this. Their Deceased Do Not Contact List (DDNC) allows you to register the deceased’s name, which will significantly decrease advertising mail within approximately three months.
Options for Shared Addresses
If you resided at the same address as the deceased, you have several options for handling their incoming mail:
Managing Mail at Your Address
You are permitted to open and manage the deceased’s mail if necessary. This can be helpful for dealing with urgent matters or sorting through important documents.
Forwarding All of the Deceased’s Mail
If you prefer to have all of the deceased’s mail sent to a different address, such as the executor or another family member, you can forward all mail. More details on forwarding options are below.
Forwarding Individual Mail Pieces
For a single piece of mail that needs to be sent to an executor or another address, you can easily forward it without a formal change of address.
- Simply cross out your current address neatly on the envelope.
- Clearly print “Forward to” followed by the new, correct address on the front of the envelope.
- Place the mail piece back in your mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up, deposit it in a blue USPS collection box, or take it to a Post Office lobby drop.
Forwarding Mail to a Different Address
To set up mail forwarding for all of the deceased’s mail to your address or another address different from the shared address, you will need to visit a Post Office location in person. This process requires you to demonstrate your legal authority to manage the deceased’s mail.
Important Note: A death certificate alone is not sufficient proof of authorization. You must provide documentation confirming you are the appointed executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate.
Once you have the necessary documentation, you will need to complete a formal change of address request at the Post Office.
Conclusion
Managing mail for a deceased loved one is a necessary step in handling their affairs. The USPS provides several options to simplify this process, from reducing advertising mail to forwarding important correspondence. By understanding these services and following the outlined steps, you can effectively manage mail and ensure important documents reach the appropriate individuals. Remember to visit your local Post Office with the required documentation to formally forward mail to a new address.
