What to Do After a Death (England)

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and there are important steps to take in the aftermath. Here's a guide for what to do following a death in England.

Immediate Actions

1. Notify People: Inform close family, friends, and the person’s employer as soon as possible.
2. Register the Death: You must do this within 5 days. A death certificate is needed before you can move forward with many arrangements.
3. Use the 'Tell Us Once' Service: This government service allows you to report the death to several government departments at once. More on this below.
4. Funeral Arrangements: Begin planning the funeral within a few days.

Next Steps (A Few Weeks After Death)

1. Contact Organizations: Notify banks, utility companies, and other relevant organizations.
2. Mail Redirection: You can arrange to redirect or stop receiving post for the deceased.

Financial Matters

After a death, there are specific procedures for handling finances and property. You may also be able to claim benefits or help with bills. For more information, check available support and use a budgeting tool to track finances.

Death in Different Locations

• If the person died in a hospital: The hospital staff will help by laying out the body, contacting a funeral director, and arranging for the medical certificate. The death must be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. If a post-mortem is needed, the coroner will take over.
• If the person died at home: Contact the GP immediately, and they will provide a death certificate if the cause is clear. If the cause is uncertain, the coroner will become involved.
• If the person died abroad: The death must be registered in the country where it occurred, and the British Consulate can assist in registering it in the UK as well.

Registering the Death

A relative or someone close to the deceased must register the death within 5 days unless a coroner is involved. The registrar will provide a certificate for burial or cremation.

Coroner Involvement

A coroner investigates deaths that are violent, suspicious, or unexplained. If this is the case, the coroner will guide you through the process, including whether a post-mortem or inquest is needed. The funeral may be delayed until investigations are complete.

Inquests

An inquest is an official inquiry into an unexplained or suspicious death. Relatives can attend, ask questions, and seek legal advice. After an inquest, the death can be formally registered, and the funeral can take place.

Telling the Government

You need to inform various government departments of the death. The Tell Us Once service allows you to report the death to multiple agencies in one go, including benefits offices, the Passport Service, and the DVLA. For DWP benefits, you’ll also need to contact their Bereavement Service.

DWP Bereavement Service Contact:

• Phone: 0800 151 2012
• Textphone: 0800 731 0464

Bereavement Benefits

If the person was receiving benefits, you may be eligible for bereavement benefits or assistance with funeral costs. Check the DWP website for more information.

Power of Attorney

The power of attorney ceases upon death. If the person had a power of attorney, contact the institutions where it was registered.

Redirecting Mail

To redirect or stop receiving post for someone who has passed, use the Royal Mail’s special circumstances form. This service is available for a fee.

Stopping Unwanted Mail

Register with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) and The Bereavement Register to stop unsolicited mail. This service is free, but it may take several months for the mail to stop.

Informing Other Organizations

Don’t forget to notify other organizations the deceased was involved with:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Utility companies
• Insurance companies
• Medical providers (GP, dentist, etc.)
• Subscription services (e.g., Netflix)

If the Home is Empty

Ensure the home stays insured and utilities remain active. Contact the insurance company to confirm coverage and check with the local council to see if council tax is waived.

If the Person Had a Car

Notify the DVLA of the person’s death. You may need to update the car’s log book or declare it off the road.

Coping with Grief

Grieving is a personal and difficult process. If you need emotional support, talk to your GP, or reach out to organizations like Cruse Bereavement Care or Samaritans.

Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline:
0808 808 1677 (Weekdays 9:30am-5pm, Tuesdays 1pm-8pm)
www.cruse.org.uk

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (Available 24/7)

Taking care of the practical matters following a death can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to the necessary agencies and support networks for help.

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