Register the death
In England and Wales, a death normally needs to be registered within five days. The registrar can provide the documents you need to begin dealing with the estate.
Find out how to register a deathPractical support after a bereavement
Bereavement support: what to do next
A calm, practical guide to the official services, household accounts and support that may help after someone dies. You do not need to do everything at once.
If you need urgent help
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 999. If you are struggling to cope or need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
Personal bereavement support
Practical support when you need it most
For a fixed fee of £99, we can provide one-to-one practical support to help you work through the next steps after a bereavement. This service is payable before we begin supporting you.
- A calm, one-to-one conversation about the steps ahead
- Guidance on contacting Government departments and using Tell Us Once
- Practical help preparing to contact gas, electricity and council tax providers
- A clear checklist of household accounts and organisations to notify
- Signposting to official services and specialist bereavement support
Bereavement support service
£99
Payable before support begins
Send an enquiry and we will call you to discuss the support you need.
Official guidance
Government support and official services
These official services can help you notify Government departments, understand financial support and manage the estate.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once lets you report a death to most Government organisations in one go, including HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Passport Office and the local council. Your registrar will explain how to use it.
Learn about Tell Us OnceBereavement Support Payment
You may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment if your husband, wife or civil partner died and you meet the eligibility rules. It is separate from any pension or inheritance.
Check eligibility and applyFuneral Expenses Payment
If you receive certain benefits and need help with funeral costs, you may be able to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
Find out about funeral cost supportProbate and dealing with the estate
You may need probate before you can deal with money, property and possessions. Whether it is needed depends on the estate and how assets were owned.
Understand probateCheck benefits and pensions
A change in circumstances can affect benefits, State Pension and tax. Citizens Advice can help you understand what support may be available and what needs to be reported.
Get benefits advice from Citizens AdviceTake it one step at a time
A simple practical checklist
- Locate the will, if there is one, and keep it safe.
- Tell close family and friends, and arrange the funeral if needed.
- Secure the home, important documents and valuables.
- Contact banks, building societies, insurers and pension providers.
- Do not cancel direct debits until you know what they are for.
- Keep a folder of letters, bills, reference numbers and conversations.
- Take your time before making major financial decisions.
You do not have to manage alone
Emotional and specialist support
Bereavement can affect people in different ways. These organisations offer free information, listening support and practical guidance.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Free bereavement information and support for adults, children and young people across the UK.
Visit Cruse Bereavement SupportSamaritans
A free, confidential listening service available 24 hours a day, every day.
Visit SamaritansChild Bereavement UK
Support and information for families when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved.
Visit Child Bereavement UKThe Bereavement Advice Centre
Free practical advice on the steps to take after a death, including notifying organisations and dealing with the estate.
Visit the Bereavement Advice CentreThinking about an LPA for the future?
A Lasting Power of Attorney can help make sure someone you trust can support you with decisions if you are unable to make them yourself.
This guide is for general information only. Eligibility, exemptions and processes can change, so please check the linked official guidance or speak to an adviser for your circumstances.