Free. No account needed.

Your checks are saved in this browser, not sent to MORTL. Other people who use this device may be able to see them.

You're the one dying.
Start with what matters today.

Most information about death is written for the people left behind. This is written to you. Start with the part that matters today. The complete list will still be here when you want it.

You don't have to do it in order and you don't have to do all of it. Tick what's done, skip what isn't yours, close the tab when you've had enough.

The short answer

If you're the one dying, the order is: get the prognosis in plain words, bring in palliative care early (it runs alongside treatment), claim the work and insurance benefits you're owed, put the four documents in place, and decide how you want the time to go. This page runs in that order, written to you, and all of it is free.

Reviewed August 2026

Say how you want it to go →Money help that exists right now →

Start where you need to

What do you need help with first?

Choose one area. You can move between all of them whenever you want.

Done So Far0 / 40 · 0%

Right After · The first days

After the News

You don't have to do any of this today. This phase exists so that when you're ready to do something, you know which thing is first.

Get the prognosis in plain numbers, and get it written downSoon
Ask what the illness actually does at the endWhen You Want To
Ask whether palliative care could help nowSoon
Name one person who comes to appointments and holds the fileSoon
Review leave, disability, and life-insurance benefits at workSoon
Decide who you're telling, and who tells themWhen You Want To
Pause major financial changes until you understand the consequencesDo First

Two things to confirm early.

Medicare Part A hospice eligibility typically requires certification that your life expectancy is six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. Hospice care can continue beyond six months when eligibility is recertified. You can stop hospice care and seek it again later if you’re eligible.

Financial help may be available for copays, housing costs, travel, and some end-of-life wishes. Eligibility, funding, and coverage vary by program. Covered expenses and application timing also vary. Confirm the current terms before relying on assistance.

Source: Medicare hospice coverage (opens in a new tab). Financial programs and their checked dates are listed on MORTL's financial-help page.

Explore financial helpFind hospice near me