When possible, ask one family member or trusted person to help organize calls, records, and updates.
You do not have to solve everything today.
Focus first on safety, trusted support, and basic information. Write down names, phone numbers, case details, dates, and questions as they arise.
Save police information, funeral estimates, receipts, insurance documents, emails, and benefit letters.
Grief can make it hard to remember details. Keep one notebook or phone note for questions and updates.
What to Do During the First 72 Hours
Not every step will apply to every family. Move at a pace that feels manageable.
1
Identify primary contacts
- Ask for the investigating agency and case number.
- Request the lead investigator's name and contact information.
- Save the victim-services advocate's information.
2
Ask key questions
- Where is your loved one?
- How will updates be shared?
- How and when will personal belongings be released?
3
Protect your decision-making space
- Ask for time before signing major contracts.
- Bring someone trusted to meetings.
- Request written estimates and copies of every form.
4
Explore funeral and cremation assistance
- Ask victim services about eligible funeral benefits.
- Keep invoices, receipts, and proof of payment.
- Confirm payment timing before committing to costs.
5
Apply for Crime Victims Reparations
- Ask about funeral, counseling, wage-loss, and dependent benefits.
- Gather bills, police case information, and supporting records.
- Track submission dates and follow-up contacts.
6
Contact the employer
- Ask about life insurance and accidental-death coverage.
- Request information about final wages and retirement benefits.
- Confirm the beneficiary and required documents.
7
Check survivor benefits
- Children may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits.
- Ask about pensions, union benefits, and private insurance.
- Keep birth certificates and relationship documents accessible.
8
Support affected children
- Use simple, honest, age-appropriate language.
- Maintain routines when possible.
- Notify the school and request grief or counseling support.
9
Prepare for court and ongoing updates
- Save hearing dates and victim-services contacts.
- Write questions before court.
- Ask about victim-impact statements and courtroom support.
A Simple Timeline
Families often need different kinds of support at different times.
First 24 Hours
Focus on safety and information. Identify contacts, gather case details, and ask a trusted person to help organize communication.
Days 2–3
Begin planning and applications. Explore funeral assistance, contact the employer, and begin Crime Victims Reparations paperwork.
First Week
Address family and benefit needs. Explore survivor benefits, school support, counseling resources, and follow-up needs.
Ongoing
Prepare for legal and long-term recovery. Track court dates, continue benefit follow-up, and stay connected to support.
How Stand The Gap Can Help
Support is practical, compassionate, and tailored to each family's needs.
Benefits and Resource Navigation
Guidance related to Crime Victims Reparations, employer benefits, accidental-death coverage, survivor benefits, funeral assistance, and community resources.
Court and Criminal-Justice Support
Court accompaniment, emotional support, hearing preparation, and help understanding the criminal-justice process.
Family and Grief Support
Compassionate follow-up, children's resources, grief referrals, and support beyond the immediate crisis.
Documentation and Follow-Through
Help organizing paperwork, tracking applications, preparing questions, and following up with systems and agencies.
You are not alone.
Stand The Gap helps families navigate the practical and emotional aftermath of homicide with dignity, compassion, and clear guidance.
Request SupportThis guide provides general information and is not legal, medical, financial, or mental-health treatment advice. Eligibility and available benefits vary by family, circumstance, and program.