When someone you love dies, the list of things to sort out can feel overwhelming on top of your grief. You do not have to do everything at once, and you do not have to do it alone. Here is a calm, step-by-step guide to what needs to happen in the UK, and in what order.
What do you need to do first?
A doctor needs to confirm the death and provide a medical certificate of cause of death. If the death was expected, this is usually the GP or hospital doctor. If it was sudden or unexplained, it may be referred to a coroner first, which can add some time before you can register.
How do you register the death?
In England and Wales, the doctor first contacts a medical examiner, an independent senior doctor who checks the cause of death; this can take a few days. You must wait until the medical examiner’s office confirms you can register, and then register the death within 5 days of getting that confirmation (weekends and bank holidays included), usually by appointment at a register office (see GOV.UK). Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own procedures: in Scotland you usually have 8 days to register, and in Northern Ireland nidirect explains the local process. You will receive the death certificate — it is worth ordering several certified copies, as banks, insurers and pension providers will each want to see one.
What is the Tell Us Once service?
Tell Us Once is a free government service that lets you report a death to most government departments in one go — including DWP, HMRC, the DVLA, the Passport Office and the local council. You can use it if the person lived in England, Scotland or Wales. It is not available if they lived in Northern Ireland; nidirect explains who to tell instead. The registrar will usually give you a unique reference number to use online or by phone. It saves contacting each department separately.
How do you arrange the funeral?
Check first for any funeral wishes, a will, or a prepaid funeral plan. You can use a funeral director or, if you prefer, arrange a funeral yourself. Ask for a written quote, and remember you may be able to claim help with costs (see below).
Who else do you need to notify?
Beyond government departments, you will usually need to contact banks and building societies, life insurance and pension providers, utilities and phone companies, any landlord or mortgage lender, and subscription services. Keep a list and tick each one off as you go.
What about the estate?
You may need to apply for probate to deal with the person’s money, property and possessions, and check whether any inheritance tax is due. You may also be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment if your partner has died.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to register a death in the UK?
In England and Wales, within 5 days of the medical examiner’s office confirming you can register, not 5 days from the death itself. In Scotland it is usually 8 days. The timing is different if the death has been referred to a coroner. In Northern Ireland, check nidirect for the local rules.
How many death certificates should I order?
Order several certified copies. Many organisations each need to see an original, and getting extra copies later costs more time and money.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
No. Most people do, but you can arrange a funeral yourself if you prefer. Always ask for costs in writing.
How Solace Care can help
This is exactly what Solace Care is built for: one clear overview of every task, deadline and contact, so you can take one step at a time and not face it alone. Want help with the practical side after a death? Create a Solace Care account or read more guides.
