What Happens to Your Workday Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
HR & Payroll Platform
Urgency
Immediate — final pay & benefits
Who to Contact
Employer HR department
Documents Needed
Death certificate, proof of authority
Step-by-Step Guide
Notify the employer's HR department
Contact the employer's HR team directly to report the death. They manage all Workday records and will initiate the process for final paycheck, benefits termination, and any owed compensation. Ask for the HR representative's direct contact information.
Estimated time: Immediately
Request final paycheck and owed compensation
Ask HR about the final paycheck, unused PTO/vacation payout, any pending bonuses or commissions, and severance if applicable. Request a timeline for when these will be issued and to whom they will be made payable.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
Obtain W-2 and tax documents
Request the deceased's most recent W-2 and any year-to-date pay stubs. If the death occurred mid-year, a final W-2 will be issued for the tax year. Ask when it will be available and where it will be sent.
Estimated time: January of following year
Review benefits enrollment and coverage end dates
Ask HR for a summary of all active benefits: health insurance (and COBRA eligibility), life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, and equity compensation. Get the exact end dates for each benefit and any continuation options.
Collect personal items and return company property
Coordinate with HR to collect any personal belongings from the workplace and arrange return of company property (laptop, badges, keys). Ask about any outstanding expense reimbursements.
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Employee ID
- HR contact name and phone
- Workday login email
- Benefits enrollment summary
- Last pay stub
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Workday. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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