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.
Prepare for Tell Us Once
Tick off your NI number, benefits details, and everything else you need before your registrar appointment — so nothing gets missed.
Tell Us Once is a free government service that notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, and 10+ other departments about a death in one go. Access it online 24/7 or by phone during office hours. You need a reference number from the registrar (given after registering the death), National Insurance number, and basic information about the deceased. The service takes 15-20 minutes and saves hours of individual notifications.
Key Information
Tell Us Once is a free government service that lets you report a death to multiple government departments and councils with a single notification, saving you from making numerous phone calls and sending letters during a difficult time.
When someone dies, there are many organisations that need to be informed. The Tell Us Once service simplifies this process by allowing you to provide information once, which is then shared with relevant government departments and your local council. After using Tell Us Once, you'll still need to notify banks and financial institutions separately.
Tell Us Once is available in most areas of England, Wales, and Scotland. It's offered by most local councils, though a few areas don't yet participate. You'll be given access information when you register the death.
Register the death
The registrar gives you a unique reference number
Access Tell Us Once
Use the reference number online or by phone
Provide information
Enter details about the person who died
Automatic notification
Relevant departments are notified immediately
Important: You must use Tell Us Once within 28 days of registering the death. Your unique reference number expires after this period.
When you use Tell Us Once, any benefits or entitlements the person was receiving will be cancelled or adjusted. This includes:
If the deceased was claiming benefits jointly with someone else, Tell Us Once will notify the relevant departments so they can contact the surviving person about continuing claims.
While Tell Us Once covers many government services, you'll still need to contact private companies and some other organisations separately. Keep a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Before You Start
Gather all the necessary documents and information before beginning. The online service times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Tell Us Once reference number
Given by the registrar when you register the death
Death certificate
You'll need the certificate number
If the person was receiving any benefits or pensions, have details ready:
You may also need:
Available 24/7 at your convenience
Best for: Those comfortable with online forms who want to complete it in their own time
Speak to an advisor for help
Best for: Those who prefer speaking to someone or need assistance
Some registrars offer to complete Tell Us Once with you immediately after registering the death. This service availability varies by area.
If you need face-to-face help later, some councils offer appointments at their offices. Contact your local council to check availability.
Don't worry if you don't have all of these - provide what you can
Completion Time
The whole process typically takes 20-30 minutes if you have all the information ready.
After using Tell Us Once, you may receive:
From DWP
Letters about benefit changes, final payments, or overpayments to be recovered
From HMRC
Tax calculation for the year of death, possible refund information
From Local Council
Council Tax adjustments, changes to single person discount
From DVLA
Information about transferring vehicle ownership or getting a refund on vehicle tax
Important
Keep your Tell Us Once confirmation reference safe. You may need it as proof that you've notified government departments, especially if there are any queries about benefits or tax.
If your reference number isn't accepted:
If you don't have all the required information:
The online service times out after 20 minutes of inactivity:
Yes, but only after you've registered the death with the UK authorities. You'll need to register the death at the Register Office for Births, Deaths and Marriages if the person was normally resident in England or Wales.
If you realise you've made an error after submitting, contact the Tell Us Once helpline on 0800 085 7308. They can advise on corrections. For significant errors, you may need to contact individual departments directly.
Yes, anyone with the unique reference number and required information can complete Tell Us Once. This could be a family member, friend, or professional advisor like a solicitor.
You should still use Tell Us Once. It will cancel their driving licence, passport, and Blue Badge if applicable, and ensure they're removed from mailing lists and electoral registers.
Yes, Tell Us Once uses secure government systems. Information is encrypted and only shared with authorised government departments and your local council. It's never shared with third parties or used for marketing.
No, Tell Us Once notifies DVLA and the Passport Office. You can keep these documents as keepsakes if you wish, or destroy them securely. They will be cancelled in the system.
Tell Us Once simplifies notifying government departments, but it's just one part of managing death admin. For comprehensive support with all aspects of bereavement administration, Farra can guide you through the entire process.
Full list of organisations to notify including those not covered by Tell Us Once
Similar service to notify banks and financial institutions quickly
Book your registry appointment where you'll access Tell Us Once service
Step-by-step process for closing deceased person's bank accounts after notification
How to notify DVLA and cancel or transfer vehicle insurance
Contact energy suppliers and broadband providers not covered by Tell Us Once
Complete overview of death administration including notification requirements
Priority contacts in the first hours before you use Tell Us Once
Financial support available after death including Bereavement Support Payment
How to access deceased's bank accounts before probate to cover funeral costs
Free services that help notify companies about a death, saving you time and reducing stress.
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.
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.
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