What Happens to Your ADP Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Payroll & HR Services
Urgency
Immediate — final pay & retirement
Phone
1-800-225-5237
Documents Needed
Death certificate, Letters Testamentary
Step-by-Step Guide
Contact employer HR to initiate ADP notifications
The employer must notify ADP of the employee's death. Contact HR first to ensure they process the termination in ADP, which triggers final paycheck calculations, benefits termination, and W-2 generation.
Estimated time: Immediately
Call ADP for retirement and benefits claims
If the deceased had an ADP-administered 401(k) or retirement plan, call 1-800-225-5237 to begin the estate claim process. You will need the death certificate, your proof of authority (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), and the deceased's Social Security number.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
Request all W-2s and tax documents
Ask HR or ADP directly for copies of all W-2s and tax documents. If the deceased had ADP portal access, their W-2 history may be available online. Request that future tax documents be sent to the estate.
Review retirement account beneficiary designations
If the deceased named beneficiaries on their ADP retirement accounts, those designations override the will. Request a copy of the beneficiary form on file and begin the distribution process with ADP's retirement services team.
Estimated time: 2-4 weeks
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- ADP registration code
- Employee ID
- ADP portal login email
- Retirement account number
- Balance (approx)
- Beneficiary designations
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with ADP. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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