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 Tell Us Once 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 Tell Us Once takes to process a bereavement notification.
Tell Us Once bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 085 7308 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
Online: Tell Us Once — notify multiple government departments online
When you register the death at the register office, the registrar will give you a Tell Us Once reference number and a date it expires (usually 28 days). Keep this safe.
Go to gov.uk/tell-us-once or call 0800 085 7308. You will need the deceased's National Insurance number, date of birth, passport number (if available), driving licence number (if available), and details of any benefits or tax credits they received.
Tell Us Once can notify HMRC, DWP (State Pension, benefits), DVLA (driving licence), Passport Office, local council (council tax, housing benefit, library membership), and other local services depending on your area.
You will receive a confirmation of which departments have been notified. Each department will then contact you directly about next steps, outstanding payments, or documents required.
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.
Tell Us Once typically takes 1–2 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.
Tell Us Once is available in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland has a similar service but operated differently — check nidirect.gov.uk for details.
Once Tell Us Once 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.
Tell Us Once 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 Tell Us Once
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 Tell Us Once promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a death. Use the Bereavement Service (0800 731 0469) or Tell Us Once to cancel State Pension, benefits, and claim Bereavement Support Payment.
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.
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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