When someone dies, there are certain things that have to be done. But, this often comes at an incredibly difficult time when you may feel least able to manage. This page talks you through how to register a death, notify government departments and manage financial issues.
Call 999 if someone dies at home unexpectedly. If a death is expected you can call their GP and nearest relative, if that is not you.
Register the death within 5 days
Check what to do if:
The death has been reported to a coroner
The death happened outside the UK
You're registering a stillbirth
Someone is missing and you think they're dead
To stop or change benefits payments you can tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about the death straight away.
Find bereavement services from your local council
Get help paying for a child's funeral
The Tell Us Once service allows you to inform all the relevant government departments when someone dies.
Use the Tell Us Once service to tell government
You will also need to tell banks, utility companies, and landlords or housing associations yourself.
You might be eligible for financial help.
Check if you can get:
Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner has died
Guardian's Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died
Your tax, benefit claims and pension might change depending on your relationship with the person who died.
Manage your tax, pensions and benefits if your spouse has died
Check how benefits are affected if a child dies
If your right to live in the UK depends on your relationship with someone who died you might need to apply for a new visa.
Check the rules if:
You are in the UK as the partner of a British Citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain
Your partner who died served as a member of HM Forces
Contact UKVI to check the rules for other visas
You might have to deal with the will, money and property of the person who has died if you are a close friend or relative, or the executor of the will.