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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First, obtain the medical certificate from the doctor or hospital. Register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland) at the local register office. Arrange the funeral with a funeral director or DIY approach. Notify banks, employers, and government departments using Tell Us Once. Apply for probate if the estate exceeds bank thresholds (usually £5,000-£50,000). Claim bereavement benefits if eligible. Throughout, take care of yourself—support services are available.
When someone dies in the UK, you must register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland), arrange the funeral, notify relevant organisations using Tell Us Once, and deal with the estate. Here's exactly what to do step-by-step.
Use Tell Us Once to notify multiple government departments at once - saves calling each separately. Available at register office or online after registering the death.
This is the very first step in the process. Without it, you won't be able to register the death or begin any official arrangements. According to NHS guidance, if the person died in hospital, staff will usually issue the certificate automatically. If the death happened at home, contact their GP or the emergency services. Once a doctor has confirmed the cause of death, they'll issue the certificate. Keep this document safe—you'll need it for everything that follows.
In the UK, according to GOV.UK's official guidance, a death must be registered within 5 days (8 in Scotland). You'll need to make an appointment with the local register office in the area where the person died. Take the medical certificate, along with ID documents like a passport or birth certificate if available. The registrar will give you:
Registering the death is free, but according to Citizens Advice, there's a charge for copies of the certificate (typically £12.50 each).
Planning the funeral can feel emotional and urgent. Start by checking if the deceased left any wishes—in a will, letter, or even a conversation. Did they want a burial or cremation? A religious service? A direct cremation with no ceremony? Some people have pre-paid plans. If not, a funeral director can walk you through the options. They'll typically need the death certificate and your preferences.
If money is tight, don't worry. You can explore simpler options or apply for help (see below). Farra can support you with templates and suggestions.
Once the death is registered, it's time to let organisations know. This can feel endless—but Farra helps you keep track. Start with the Tell Us Once service, which informs government bodies like:
Then notify others: banks, utilities, landlords, insurers, subscription services, care providers. A checklist and templated letters can speed this up.
You can use the Tell Us Once service to notify multiple government departments simultaneously.
If the person left a will, the executor applies for probate—legal authority to manage their affairs. This means closing accounts, selling assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritances. If there's no will, a close relative can apply for letters of administration. The process is similar but takes a little longer.
You can do this yourself online or get help from a solicitor. Farra's guide shows you which forms to use and what to expect.
Funerals can be expensive. If you're struggling, you might qualify for help from the government:
Farra’s checklist helps you check eligibility and apply for support.
The admin matters. But so do you. You’re allowed to pause, to grieve, to ask for help. Farra can keep track of tasks and send gentle reminders later. You can also share responsibilities with friends and family. Take time for yourself. Support groups, counselling, and simply resting all matter. You’re not alone.
For a full checklist, editable letter templates, and tailored guidance—create a free Farra account. Coming soon!
Farra makes death admin manageable, providing clear checklists, reminders, and support at every stage.
Download your free checklist →First, obtain the medical certificate of cause of death from a doctor or hospital. Then register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) at the local register office. Contact a funeral director to arrange the funeral, and inform close family and friends. These immediate steps form the foundation for all subsequent death administration tasks.
You must register a death within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or within 8 days in Scotland. This includes weekends and bank holidays. The registrar will give you the death certificate, a certificate for burial or cremation, and a Tell Us Once reference number.
Tell Us Once is a free government service that allows you to notify multiple government departments of a death with one report. It informs HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, local council and Veterans UK. The registrar provides a unique reference number you can use online or by phone, saving hours of individual notifications.
Most funerals take place 2-3 weeks after death, allowing time for planning and for family to arrange travel. There is no legal deadline. Some faiths have specific timeframes - for example, Muslim and Jewish burials typically occur within 24-48 hours. Contact a funeral director as soon as practical to discuss options and timing.
Probate is needed if the estate is worth more than £5,000-£50,000 (varies by institution) and includes assets like property or significant savings. If there's a will, the executor applies for Grant of Probate. Without a will, a close relative applies for Letters of Administration. The process typically takes 8-12 weeks.
Bereavement Support Payment provides £3,500-£9,800 over 18 months for surviving spouses. Funeral Expenses Payment helps those on certain benefits cover funeral costs. You may also be able to release funds from the deceased's bank account to pay funeral bills. Contact DWP to check eligibility within the first few weeks.
Notify government departments via Tell Us Once (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office), banks and building societies, insurance companies, pension providers, utility companies (gas, electricity, water), council tax office, landlord/mortgage lender, employer/benefits office, mobile phone/broadband providers, subscriptions (Netflix, gym), and GP surgery. Use Tell Us Once first to cover multiple government departments with one report.
You need the medical certificate of cause of death (from doctor/hospital), deceased's birth certificate (if available), marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable), NHS medical card, and proof of address. The registrar will accept photocopies. Take your own ID too. Some documents are helpful but not essential - the medical certificate is the critical document.
Registering a death is free. However, death certificate copies cost £12.50 each (prices as of 2026). You'll need multiple copies for banks, insurance, probate - order at least 5-10 copies at registration as they're more expensive to get later (£35+ per copy). The burial/cremation certificate is also free.
No, you cannot register a death online in the UK. You must attend the register office in person or by phone appointment in some areas. The registrar needs to verify documents and your identity. However, you can book the appointment online via your local council website. After registration, you can use Tell Us Once service online.
Failing to register a death within 5 days (8 in Scotland) is a criminal offence and can result in a fine. You cannot arrange a funeral without the death certificate and burial/cremation certificate. Banks won't release funds, probate can't proceed, and benefits continue being paid (which must be repaid). Always register within the legal timeframe.
The executor named in the will has first right to arrange the funeral. If there's no will: spouse/civil partner, then children, then parents, then siblings. Anyone can arrange a funeral if the legal next of kin gives permission. You don't need probate to arrange a funeral - it happens before probate. Funeral directors will ask for proof you're authorized.
Banks can release funds from the deceased's account to pay funeral directors (typically up to £5,000-£15,000 depending on bank). Provide the death certificate and funeral director invoice. If there's life insurance, request a fast-track payout for funeral costs. Apply for Funeral Expenses Payment if on benefits. Some people use own savings and claim back from estate later.
Call the deceased's GP or out-of-hours doctor service to confirm death and issue medical certificate. If death was expected, no need to call 999. If unexpected, call 999 and police will attend. Notify close family. Contact a funeral director who will collect the body (usually within 24 hours). Keep the home secure and safe until property is dealt with.
Most UK funerals happen 2-3 weeks after death. This allows time to register death (5 days deadline), arrange funeral, and for family to travel. There's no legal deadline for holding a funeral. Muslim and Jewish funerals typically occur within 24-48 hours for religious reasons. Crematorium/burial ground availability affects timing - book 1-2 weeks ahead minimum.
A complete guide for surviving spouses: the first few days, your finances and home, benefits you may be entitled to, and dealing with the estate.
A practical guide for adult children: registering the death, finding the will, notifying organisations, and dealing with the estate.
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.
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