After Losing A Spouse

Social security numbers
Insurance policies
Certified copies of the death certificate
An original will if available or locate a copy
A copy of your marriage certificate
If your spouse was a veteran, a copy of the honorable discharge
A list of all of the personal property in your spouse's name
A list of your spouses creditors (credit card & mortgage companies, hospitals and doctors).

Who to contact:

Contact the life insurance companies and fill out a claim form and send in with your death certificate. Some insurnace companies want you to send back the policy, but since they issued your policy, they have their own. Proceeds will be paid directly to the beneficiary but if there was none, paid to the estate.
Contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 to find out if you can receive either your spouse's benefit amount or an amount based on your own work record, whichever is greater.
Contact your relative's employer (past and present) to see whether you are entitled to any pension benefits or group life policies. If they were receiving a pension, check to see whether you will receive this benefit or a reduced amount.
If your relative was your spouse and a veteran, contact the Department of Veteran's Affairs at (800) 827-1000. You may be eligible for survivor's benefits including a funeral allowance.