By Jim Bowling

If you are the beneficiary of a Red Cross retiree who passes away, what steps should you take?   

To ensure that your beneficiary is prepared when you pass away Jim Bowling, long-time ARCRA member and leader, who lives in the St. Louis area, put together this checklist:

1. Contact the Red Cross Service Center at 1-877-860-7526 to report the retiree’s death. Have on hand the retiree’s full name, date of birth and last four digits of social security number. You will be assigned an Advocate to help assist with the process, answer any questions and the transitioning of any remaining benefits; pension, medical, dental and life insurance, if applicable.
   
2. Once the Red Cross has this information, they will notify the various Red Cross insurance carriers.
3. In addition to Red Cross, you need to contact holders of other assets: banks; bonds, stocks and certificates of deposit; other dividend income; IRAs.
4. Make a complete list of these items, with account numbers, and name and phone numbers of individuals who manage these accounts.
5. Property in your name, including real estate and vehicles, should also be on the list.
6. If there are burial policies and a guardian has been appointed, notify them.
7. Notify your financial adviser and lawyer.

Note: First things first…for any of us, it’s a good idea to put these lists of assets, accounts, property, and contact information  together ourselves, while we are living, and make sure to give copies to our beneficiaries, personal representatives or executors, and financial advisers.  Also keep a copy of Red Cross Service Center information with your other financial papers.

You will find this information and other helpful resources on the new retiree resources page on the web site.  You can access the page by clicking here.