What to Arrange After a Loved One's Death — Offices, Banks, Contracts and Pensions Step by Step

Introduction

We understand that you are going through one of the most difficult periods of your life. Losing someone close is painful in itself — and the flood of official duties that immediately follows can feel almost unbearable. Once the funeral is behind you, a "second wave" of formalities usually arrives: the bank, insurers, pensions, dozens of contracts and offices. It is easy to feel lost in it all.

This article is a practical checklist of what to arrange after a loved one's death — clearly laid out, with the deadlines and amounts that apply in 2026. We will guide you step by step through whom you must notify (and what the register office handles for you), how the deceased's bank account behaves, what survivors' pensions a spouse or children are entitled to, how to apply for the funeral allowance, and how to cancel or transfer contracts. All of it without needless haste and without pressure.

There is no need to do everything at once. Most steps allow weeks or months, and the offices will handle a number of them for you automatically. The aim of this guide is to give you the calm and the certainty that you will not forget anything important. If you are only now dealing with the very first steps — the medical examination, transport and choosing a funeral service — begin with our guide on what to do when someone dies.

The information is based on current Czech legislation and on data from the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ), the Labour Office of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Interior, as at July 2026. For amounts that change each year, we indicate where to verify the current figure.

Did you know? While you are dealing with the official matters, you can — at any time later and in your own time — set up a digital memory page as well: a lasting place where the family can share photographs and stories. It is nothing urgent; it is simply a way to preserve the memory.

What to Arrange in the First Days After a Death

In the first days you need only two things: the medical certificate of death from a doctor and, after that, the death certificate from the register office. Everything else can wait. Under Act No. 256/2001 Sb. on Funeral Services, the person intending to arrange the funeral has 96 hours in which to express that wish, counted from the moment they learned of the death. There is therefore no need to make decisions in a panic.

The medical certificate of death and the funeral service

The medical certificate of death (List o prohlídce zemřelého) is issued by the doctor who confirms the death (a general practitioner, a doctor of the emergency medical service, or a hospital). This document is the gateway to the entire process — without it, no funeral can be arranged and no death can be entered in the register. The funeral service will take it from you and pass it on to the register office together with the documents needed to issue the death certificate.

You need not fear choosing a funeral service, and you need not rush. You have the right to approach any service, regardless of where the death occurred, and you have the right to a quotation in advance. This is covered in detail in a separate guide, how to arrange a funeral in the Czech Republic.

The death certificate — the first document you will need

The death certificate is a public document issued by the register office for the place of death (not the deceased's place of residence). The first copy is free; for a duplicate you will pay an administrative fee of 300 Kč in the form of a revenue stamp (under Act No. 634/2004 Sb. on Administrative Fees). The register office's statutory deadline for issuing the death certificate is 30 days (in more complex cases, for example after a post-mortem, up to 60 days) under Act No. 301/2000 Sb. on Registers, Names and Surnames; in practice the document is usually ready within one to two weeks.

We recommend having several certified copies issued straight away — you will present the death certificate repeatedly to the bank, insurers, the employer and the notary. A full guide to who may request it and how to obtain further copies can be found in the article the death certificate — how to obtain it.

Who You Must Notify — and What the Register Office Handles for You

The good news: a large part of the notifications is handled for you by the register office. According to the Czech Social Security Administration, the register office reports the death to ČSSZ within two weeks of the entry and, at the same time, notifies the health insurance company through the Central Register of the Insured. The bereaved therefore have no general duty to report the death. What you must actively deal with is mainly the bank, the employer, commercial insurers and service providers.

The following table summarises the most important institutions, who notifies them, and what you usually need to provide. It serves as a quick overview — the individual points are covered in detail in the chapters that follow.

Table 1: Who to Notify After a Death

Source: Czech Social Security Administration (cssz.gov.cz), the Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna general health insurer (vzp.cz) and the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. Verify the specific procedures with your own institution; deadlines may vary.

A special case: the deceased was self-employed (OSVČ)

If the deceased was self-employed, the reporting duties do not lapse of their own accord. The situation must be resolved with the health insurance company, the social security administration and the tax office — most often this is done on the deceased's behalf by the heirs, in cooperation with the notary. The business and its associated obligations become part of the estate and are dealt with during probate.

The Bank Account and Money After a Death

As soon as the bank receives proof of death (the death certificate or the notary's notification), it freezes the deceased's account and stops charging fees for maintaining it. The balance on the account becomes part of the estate, and so, as a rule, the heirs will not gain access to the money until probate has concluded, on the basis of a final ruling on the inheritance. Until then, the bank will not ordinarily permit the funds to be used.

What happens to standing orders and direct debits

Once the account is frozen, the bank usually halts active use of the funds; however, standing orders, direct debits and SIPO payments may continue for a time, until the bank or the notary stops them. It is therefore advisable to inform the bank as soon as possible and to go through, together, which payments are still going out — otherwise money may leave the account for services that no longer need to be paid for.

Right of disposal in the event of death

If, during their lifetime, the deceased set up a right of disposal in the event of death on the account (a so-called authorised person), that person may use the funds even after the account holder's death, without having to wait for probate. This is a practical arrangement that eases the payment of funeral costs and the running of the household. Without it, access to the money is limited until the ruling on the inheritance is issued.

Beware of withdrawing "someone else's" cash

Do not withdraw money from the deceased's account using their payment card, and do not make payments in their name after the death. The funds belong to the estate, and such withdrawals may be assessed as unauthorised handling of another person's property. Deal with everything that needs to be paid transparently, and preferably by agreement with the notary. The bank account is one of the most frequently discussed items — more in our guide to probate.

Survivors' Pensions in 2026 — Widow's, Widower's and Orphan's

Surviving spouses and dependent children are entitled to a survivor's pension. According to the Czech Social Security Administration, for 2026 the widow's and widower's pension consists of a basic assessment of 4,900 Kč and a percentage assessment of at least 2,450 Kč (equal to 50% of the deceased's percentage assessment) — that is, a minimum of approximately 7,350 Kč per month. It is paid automatically for a period of one year.

The survivor's pension must be applied for — unlike the report of the death, which the register office takes care of, this pension is not granted of its own accord. After the first year of payment, the widow's or widower's pension continues only if the statutory conditions are met (for example, reaching a certain age, caring for a dependent child, or invalidity). The orphan's pension is payable to a dependent child up to the age of 26, provided they are still studying or training for a future career.

Table 2: Survivors' Pensions 2026

Source: Czech Social Security Administration, "Přehled nejdůležitějších údajů pro sociální zabezpečení v roce 2026" (Overview of the Most Important Social Security Figures for 2026, cssz.gov.cz). The amount depends on the specific pension of the deceased and is uprated each year — please verify the current figures at cssz.gov.cz or at any district social security administration.

How and where to apply

The application for a survivor's pension is submitted to the district social security administration for your place of residence, or electronically via the ePortál ČSSZ (with sign-in through a data box, bank identity or NIA). For the application you will need the death certificate, a marriage certificate (for a widow's/widower's pension) or the child's birth certificate (for an orphan's pension), and proof of identity. According to ČSSZ, an orphan's pension is usually decided within 90 days.

Don't overlook the risk of a pension overpayment

If the deceased was themselves drawing a pension, bear in mind that the pension instalment for a month the beneficiary did not live to see is not payable to them. According to the Czech Social Security Administration, ČSSZ may reclaim such an overpayment — primarily through the bank. This is nothing you need to deal with actively; just do not be surprised if, after the death, the bank returns the last pension instalment to the payer.

The Funeral Allowance and Other State Support

The funeral allowance (pohřebné) is a one-off benefit of 5,000 Kč, paid by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic to the person who arranged the funeral of a dependent child or of the parent of a dependent child. Under Act No. 117/1995 Sb. on State Social Support, the applicant's income is irrelevant. The benefit must be applied for within one year of the day of the funeral; after that period the entitlement lapses.

The conditions are fairly strict — on the death of an adult with no dependent children, unfortunately no entitlement to the funeral allowance arises. The "Žádost o pohřebné" (Application for the Funeral Allowance) form can be found on the portal.gov.cz or uradprace.cz portals; it is submitted to the relevant local branch of the Labour Office together with the death certificate and proof of payment for the funeral. A detailed guide, including examples of who is and is not entitled, can be found in the article the funeral allowance 2026 — who is entitled and how to apply.

When there is no money for the funeral

If the deceased has no relatives to arrange the funeral, or the bereaved lack the means, the funeral is provided by the municipality in whose territory the death occurred (a so-called social funeral, under the Act on Funeral Services). The municipality then claims the costs back from the estate. In this way, no one is left without a dignified farewell purely for financial reasons — it is a statutory safeguard that the municipality can be asked to provide.

How to Cancel or Transfer Contracts

Contracts for energy, the telephone and other services can be dealt with immediately on presentation of proof of death — there is no need to wait for probate. An energy supply contract ends on the death of the customer; you can either transfer it to a new user of the supply point, or terminate it. Operator contracts and SIPO payments at Czech Post are cancelled once you provide the death certificate, or the medical certificate of death.

The key is not to let payments run on for services no one uses any longer, while at the same time not interrupting supplies the household still needs (typically electricity and gas in a flat where someone continues to live). This is why, with energy, a transfer is most often chosen rather than outright termination.

Table 3: Overview of Contracts — Transfer or Cancel?

Source: information pages of the energy suppliers (e.g. cez.cz — "Jak vyřešit energie po úmrtí" / How to Deal With Energy After a Death), Czech Post (SIPO) and the individual operators. The specific conditions vary between providers — verify the procedure directly with your own company.

When transferring energy, always request a final bill as at the date of death. This separates the consumption in the deceased's name from that of the new user and avoids a situation in which arrears — or, conversely, unclaimed overpayments — arise in the deceased's name.

Probate — What to Expect at the Notary

In the Czech Republic, you do not need to initiate probate yourself — it starts automatically. After the death is entered in the register, the register office informs the relevant district court, which appoints a notary to act as a court commissioner. The notary will invite you to the first hearing, usually within a few weeks. The notary cannot be chosen; they are assigned by the court according to a work schedule, which ensures impartiality.

Importantly, inheritance tax was abolished with effect from 1 January 2014 by Senate Legislative Measure No. 344/2013 Sb. Inherited property is not subject to any inheritance tax; only the notary's fee is payable, set by decree and derived from the value of the estate. The proceedings also cover the bank account, real property and any debts of the deceased. A full explanation of the course of the proceedings, the deadlines and the fees can be found in our separate guide to probate.

Checklist: What to Arrange After a Loved One's Death, Step by Step

The following overview orders the tasks by time phase. There is no need to complete everything at once — most steps allow deadlines of weeks or months. You can use the table as an ongoing checklist and tick off the items you have completed.

Table 4: Timeline of Tasks After a Death

This list covers the typical situation. Your specific obligations may differ — for example, in the case of a self-employed person, cross-border assets, or an over-indebted estate. If you are unsure, turn to the relevant office or to the notary appointed to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notify the offices of a loved one's death myself?

The register office informs most institutions on your behalf. According to the Czech Social Security Administration, the register office reports the death to ČSSZ within two weeks of the entry and, at the same time, notifies the health insurance company through the Central Register of the Insured. The bereaved therefore have no general duty to report the death. The exception is where the deceased was self-employed (OSVČ) — then you must contact the insurer, the social security administration and the tax office yourself.

When will I receive the money from the deceased's bank account?

As a rule, you will receive the money from the account only after probate has concluded, on the basis of a final ruling on the inheritance. Once the death is documented, the bank freezes the account and stops charging fees, but it releases the funds only to the heirs designated by the notary. The exception is a person holding a right of disposal arranged for the event of death, or the withdrawal of a reasonable amount for funeral costs, where the bank permits it.

Who is entitled to a widow's or widower's pension in 2026, and how much is it?

The surviving spouse of a deceased person who was drawing a pension or had completed the required insurance period is entitled. According to the Czech Social Security Administration, for 2026 the pension consists of a basic assessment of 4,900 Kč and a percentage assessment of at least 2,450 Kč — that is, a minimum of approximately 7,350 Kč per month. It is paid automatically for one year; thereafter only if the statutory conditions are met. Verify the figures at cssz.gov.cz.

What happens to energy, telephone and SIPO contracts after a death?

An energy contract ends on the death of the customer — it can be transferred to a new user or terminated, either of which is possible immediately once you present the death certificate. There is no need to wait for probate. Operator contracts and SIPO payments at Czech Post are cancelled once proof of death is provided. When transferring energy, request a final bill as at the date of death so that no arrears or overpayments accrue in the name of the deceased.

By when must I apply for the funeral allowance, and who is entitled to it?

Under Act No. 117/1995 Sb., the funeral allowance of 5,000 Kč can be claimed from the Labour Office of the Czech Republic within one year of the day of the funeral; after that period the entitlement lapses. The benefit is paid only to the person who arranged the funeral of a dependent child or of the parent of a dependent child. The applicant's income is irrelevant. On the death of an adult with no dependent children, no entitlement arises.

Summary

• There is no need to rush or to manage everything at once — you have 96 hours to express the wish to arrange the funeral (Act No. 256/2001 Sb.), and most other steps allow deadlines of weeks or months.
• The death certificate is the basis for everything — have several certified copies issued; the first copy is free, a duplicate costs 300 Kč.
• The register office reports the death for you — to ČSSZ within two weeks and to the health insurer via the Central Register of the Insured; the bereaved have no general duty to report the death (exception: the self-employed).
• Notify the bank yourself — the account is frozen, and the heirs receive the money only after probate; watch out for standing orders and SIPO still running.
• The widow's and widower's pension in 2026 is a minimum of approximately 7,350 Kč per month (basic assessment 4,900 Kč + percentage assessment of at least 2,450 Kč), paid automatically for a year — but it must be applied for.
• The orphan's pension is payable to a dependent child up to the age of 26; ČSSZ decides within 90 days.
• The funeral allowance of 5,000 Kč goes only to the person who arranged the funeral of a dependent child or its parent; apply within one year of the funeral.
• Deal with contracts immediately — transfer or terminate energy, cancel operators and SIPO; there is no need to wait for probate.
• Probate begins automatically — the notary is assigned by the court, and inheritance tax has not existed since 2014.
• Verify the pension figures at cssz.gov.cz — the amounts are uprated each year.

Related Articles

• What to Do When Someone Dies — Step by Step
• The Death Certificate — How to Obtain It, What It Contains and Where You Need It
• Probate — A Complete Guide for the Bereaved
• The Funeral Allowance 2026 — Who Is Entitled and How to Apply
• How to Arrange a Funeral in the Czech Republic

While you deal with the formalities — think about a digital memorial

The offices, the bank and the contracts — these are all essential steps that need to be managed. Alongside the formalities, though, there is also something more personal and more lasting: preserving the memory of your loved one for the whole family.

At Kinmory you can create a memory page where family and friends share photographs, stories and shared experiences. Anyone close can access it, from anywhere in the world — no matter when you return to it.

While you deal with the formalities — think about a digital memorial