Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
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When someone dies, notifying DWP is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long DWP takes to process a bereavement notification.
DWP bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 731 0469 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Tell Us Once — notify multiple government departments online
The DWP Bereavement Service (0800 731 0469) handles all DWP-related notifications including State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, and Carer's Allowance. Alternatively, use the Tell Us Once service at gov.uk/tell-us-once to notify DWP and other government departments simultaneously.
You will need the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, and National Insurance number. If they were receiving benefits, have the payment reference numbers to hand.
If you were receiving Carer's Allowance for the deceased or your household income changes due to the death, your own benefit entitlement may change. Report this to DWP at the same time.
You may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner died and you were under State Pension age. Claim within 21 months of the death to receive the full amount.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
DWP typically takes 2–6 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
DWP may ask for repayment of any benefit paid after the date of death. Keep records of all contact including call reference numbers.
Once DWP receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
DWP will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying DWP
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying DWP promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Notify HM Revenue & Customs of a death. Use Tell Us Once or call 0300 200 3300. Final Self Assessment return, tax refund, or Inheritance Tax — step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service that notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, and your local council in a single step. Get your reference from the registrar. Full guide.
Cancel a deceased person's passport via Tell Us Once or by posting it to HM Passport Office. No fee. Prevents identity fraud. Full guide.
Use Tell Us Once to notify your local council of a death — covers council tax, housing benefit, blue badge, and library membership. Step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once automatically notifies the electoral register. If not used, contact your local Electoral Registration Office directly. No fee, no forms. Full guide.
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