Pursuant to the New York Estates Powers and Trust Law (EPTL), following the death of a loved one, if there is no will, the distributees (next of kin) of the deceased loved one are entitled to receive compensation. Generally, that includes a spouse and children, or, if there is no spouse and no children, the decedent’s parents. If there is no spouse, no children and no parents, it will include other family members as well.