When Benefits Stop After Someone Dies
When someone dies, their benefits and pensions usually stop immediately. It's important to notify the relevant authorities quickly to avoid overpayments and to claim any benefits you might be entitled to as a survivor.
- Most benefits stop from the date of death
- State Pension may be payable up to the end of the week of death
- Use Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments
- Overpayments may need to be repaid from the estate
- Survivors may be entitled to bereavement benefits
- Contact DWP within 5 days if possible
Which benefits stop immediately
These benefits stop from the date of death:
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
Benefits Notification Checklist
Immediate Actions
- Use Tell Us Once service to notify DWP and other departments
- Check if any benefits were paid after death (potential overpayments)
- Check if surviving spouse/civil partner entitled to bereavement benefits
- Notify private pension providers and occupational pension schemes
Act quickly but don't panic
While it's important to notify benefit departments quickly, they understand this is a difficult time. Most departments are experienced in handling death notifications and will guide you through the process.
The Tell Us Once service can handle multiple notifications with one call, making the process much simpler for grieving families.
Related Guides
Bereavement Support Payment
Claim financial support available after spouse or partner dies
Tell Us Once Service
Notify DWP, HMRC and benefits departments in one go
Complete Notification Checklist
All organisations including benefit departments to inform
Death Notification Service
Additional notification services for financial institutions
Close Bank Accounts
Stop direct debits for benefits before closing accounts
Joint Bank Accounts
Managing joint accounts when benefits paid into them
What to Do When Someone Dies
Complete guide including benefit notifications
Register a Death
Access Tell Us Once at registry office to stop benefits
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
Bereavement Support Payment: Complete Guide
Eligibility, how to claim, payment amounts, and what happens to other benefits when you receive BSP.
How to Access Funds to Pay for a Funeral
Options for releasing money from the estate before probate, including bank procedures and government help.
Emergency Financial Help
Immediate financial support available after a death, from government schemes to charity assistance.