Sorting your and your loved one's affairs

When someone dies, it can feel like there is a lot of things to deal with on top of the grief you may be feeling. We have set out the steps you need to take when your loved one has come to the end of their life. There is lots of support available if you are dealing with a bereavement.

In the first few days and weeks after your loved one has died, you will have registered the death and organised a funeral.

 

Tell the government and your utility companies

The Tell Us Once service allows you to inform all the relevant government departments when someone dies. When you register the death please talk to us about the Tell Us Once service.

You need to tell banks, utility companies and landlords when someone has died as well. You may need to remember to speak to your loved one's:

• Banks and building societies
• Gas and electricity suppliers
• Mobile and landline phone providers
• Broadband providers
• Car insurance and finance providers
• Subscriptions and recurring payments including TV and streaming services, magazines and newspapers
• Parking, congestion and Dartford crossing charges

 

Check if you can get bereavement benefits

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

For information about bereavement benefits please see our bereaved benefits and support page.

 

Register changes of circumstances

• Check your benefits, pension and taxes after the death of a spouse
• Check Child Benefit if a child or parent has died
• Check what you need to do if you're in the UK as the partner of a British Citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain
• Check what you need to do if your partner who died served as a member of HM Forces
• Contact UKVI to check the rules for other visas

 

Deal with your loved one's estate

You might have to deal with the will, money and property of the person who's died if you're a close friend or relative, or the executor of the will.

• Check if you need to apply for probate
• Value the estate
• Deal with the estate
• Update property records