United States Postal Service (USPS)
Death notification, 2 survivor benefits, and required documents
OverviewWhen someone dies
USPS Customer Service
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Mail Forwarding Assistance
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Post Office (In-Person)
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursPost Office hours vary by location
Verified Apr 2026
The United States Postal Service handles mail forwarding and redirection for deceased persons. When someone dies, an executor or family member can forward the deceased's mail to a new address. Mail forwarding for a deceased person must be requested in person at a Post Office with court-issued documentation.
Death notification
USPS does not have a death-notification system and does not receive death reports from other agencies. Mail continues to be delivered to the address indefinitely unless someone takes action. An executor or administrator must visit a Post Office in person with court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to forward the deceased's mail. A death certificate alone is not sufficient.
Deadline: No deadline; mail continues to the address until forwarding is requested
Survivor benefits
The USPS offers 2 benefits for surviving family members.
Mail Forwarding for Deceased Persons
An executor or administrator can forward all of the deceased's mail to a new address (such as the executor's address or the estate's address) for up to 12 months. Extended forwarding is available for 6, 12, or 18 additional months at an additional cost. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the new address on the label.
Individual Piece Forwarding (Shared Address)
If you shared an address with the deceased, you can forward individual pieces of their mail without visiting the Post Office. Cross out the printed address, write "Forward to" with the new forwarding address on the front, and leave in your mailbox for carrier pickup, drop in a blue collection box, or take to a Post Office lobby drop.
When someone dies
Notifying the USPS after a death
5-step process, 3 required documents, and 2 survivor benefits.
View details →Frequently asked questions
Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. Extended forwarding is available for 6, 12, or 18 additional months at an additional cost. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the forwarding address on the label.
First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage items are forwarded at no charge for 12 months. Periodicals (magazines, newsletters) are forwarded for 60 days only. Media Mail and Library Mail are forwarded for 60 days only. USPS Marketing Mail (advertising, bulk mail) is not forwarded and is discarded. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the new address on the label.
USPS Customer Service
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Mail Forwarding Assistance
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Post Office (In-Person)
Phone1-800-275-8777
TTY711
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursPost Office hours vary by location
Verified Apr 2026