When someone dies, what happens to their accounts?

If you are POA you still can prepay this funeral now, while your Dad is living, but in general, you are correct, as the moment he dies you cannot act on your POA. You are correct. But as Executor you can pay for this funeral, then reimburse yourself once probate is completed and assets are distributed. Take your time. Get a Lawyer to guide you, get you a rapid EIN that will allow you to do expenses as you need to. Be very meticulous in your folders and your record keeping. As executor you have the right to pay expenses of the estate with assets of the estate. Your POA ends with the death of your Dad so it is worthless at this point, even if you are on accounts as POA.

Your name is not on the accounts? Does he have a Will and if so, who is the Executor? That is the person who will take over when Dad passes. If no Will, then u can go to Probate and apply for Administrator. This person does the same thing the Executor does. Only the State determines who the beneficiaries are. You will get a short certificate, in both cases, which will give you the ability to handle your Dads estate. I would think that a funeral home is used to waiting for their money. Call them and find out how things are handled.