Requires the state office for the aging to publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies"

New guide helps New Yorkers after loss

The New York State Office for the Aging must publish a public guide called “Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies.” It must post the guide on its official website within one year after the section takes effect. A paper version is optional. The guide must explain pensions, Social Security, life insurance, death benefits, and tax issues. It must reference estate tax resources from the state Department of Taxation and Finance. It must explain how to access death certificates, wills, trusts, and other information for future planning. Grief guidance must cover symptoms, triggers, coping skills, and effects on family life. Funeral, service, and burial guidance must reference the Department of Health’s Bureau of Funeral Directing. The office can add other useful information. The law removes the required advisory committee and allows optional advice from agency representatives, funeral directors, cemeteries, grief counselors, estate lawyers, tax professionals, and clergy. The act takes effect alongside a separate 2025 elder-law amendment, on the same date and in the same manner. The supplied text gives no calendar date.