Bereavement Guidance
First Steps
We know this is a very difficult time. Here is a clear guide to the legal and practical steps that need to be taken after someone dies.
We Are Here to Help
You don't have to face this alone
When someone dies there are certain legal steps that must be taken. Some can be done by you or another person who knew the deceased. Others need to be done by the executor or administrator of the estate. We've set out the key steps below to help guide you through this difficult time.
The First 24–48 Hours
Immediate steps to take
Obtain the Medical Certificate
Usually supplied by the doctor who pronounced the death, or the coroner's office if they are involved.
Register the death
Visit the registry office to register the death. A BD8 Form will be given to you to complete once the death is registered.
Contact a funeral director
Contact a funeral director of your choice as soon as you are ready. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Begin making funeral arrangements
If the deceased made a Will, check it for any special requests or arrangements they may have made.
Administrative Checklist
Further steps to complete
These steps can be completed over the following days and weeks. Take your time — there is no need to rush through everything at once.
Contact the Department of Work and Pensions — to arrange for any pension to be stopped.
Contact the deceased's current employer, if they were still employed.
Contact any private pension suppliers if they had a private pension plan.
Contact Job Centre Plus or the Social Security Office — to stop any benefits such as income support or jobseeker's allowance.
Contact HM Revenue and Customs — to stop any tax credit payments if they were being claimed.
Contact any doctors or health service providers — to remove the deceased from their list and arrange the return of any borrowed equipment.
Cancel any services provided by social services — such as Meals on Wheels or transport.
Contact financial institutions — banks, building societies, etc.
Further Support
Additional help and resources
We Are Here For You
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Our caring team is always available to help guide you through the first steps. Please don't hesitate to call us at any time.