What happens to AT&T when someone dies?
Grieving the loss of a loved one is always heart-wrenching, and to make things more complicated, there are still outstanding accounts and services associated with the individual. Now if the deceased was one of our customers here at AT&T you might be wondering what ever happened to the accounts here at AT&T Internet. Here is some information regarding what has to happen to AT&T services after the person’s death and the change made in the respective accounts.
Notifying AT&T
The very first activity is to call AT&T customer service to inform them about the deceased account holder. The account holder, account number, and a copy of the death certificate are the documents you will be required to present. This is officially recorded as the time that the patient died in their records.
Another important thing that must be taken into consideration is the type of services that the person had with AT&T (cell phone, internet, TV, etc.) so the process might be a bit different. But in most situations, AT&T will be able to stop any kind of automatic payments for the bills of a dead client via the account or credit card of the customer. This minimizes charges piling up in the process.
Transfer/Close the Account
Once AT&T is notified and has a record of the death certificate, you have a few options on what to do next:
Transfer service to someone else: If the deceased was the original account holder, transferring cell phone or internet service to someone else is legal at AT&T. If the payments are made constantly, the new account holder can continue to use the services without any disruptions.
Cancel service immediately: Instead, you could decide to completely cancel all the remaining services that the person had with AT&T. In the case of cell phones, you will have to mail back any instruments that you may still possess physical control over. The future actions of AT&T are to refund any canceled service amounts less the current month’s charges.
Temporary Suspension: You also have the option of putting a freeze on specific services offered by AT&T for up to 180 days, which can include cell phone or internet service. This gives you the much-needed time to attend to other matters before you choose to resume service or completely cancel it.
Settling the Final Bill
Another of the final phases is paying the last bill to the carrier, for example, if the person discussed the changes in the account with AT&T. This would include charges for prior months such as pro-rated charges for partial months used, and any other balance that may be due. However, AT&T also has a provision that lets another person take over in case of the final bill.
After the last payment is rendered, AT&T can also permanently terminate accounts or migrate to new ownership. What is left over can be processed in check or account credit to the person, or any other person who is legally entitled to manage the account.
Additional Details
Here are some other considerations when handling AT&T services after a death in the family: Here are some other considerations when handling AT&T services after a death in the family:
- Chase all the services that the person has had with AT&T –examples being Wireless, Internet, Digital TV, Satellite TV, etc The procedures followed when making account changes may be slightly different in these departments.
- Explore if there are any accounts credit, refund, or an installation fee that can be utilized to reduce the final charges.
- In certain circumstances, if there are changes in accounts or extra time is required to settle the final amount or continue holding a service, AT&T may permit extensions.
- In wireless numbers, there are certain questions; whether it is still being financed through AT&T Next payments. This will translate to you paying the balance by using the phone or returning the phone.
That is a lot to manage while mourning for the deceased and figuring out ways of getting through each day. However, it is equally as helpful for staying organized with the death certificate, and account details, and getting the AT&T procedure when it comes to transitioning or shutting down accounts. Make sure that you talk to their support team regarding the next steps for the transition in times that are considered unfavorable by your family.
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