What to Do When Someone Dies: A Practical Guide
What You Need to Know
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.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK
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.
- Get the medical certificate - Doctor issues medical certificate of cause of death. Hospital provides this automatically; GP visits within 14 days.
- Register the death (within 5 days) - Book appointment at local register office. Bring medical certificate, deceased's details. Get death certificates (order 8-12 copies at £11 each).
- Arrange the funeral (1-3 weeks) - Choose funeral director or DIY funeral. Direct cremation £1,200-£1,800, traditional funeral £4,000-£5,500. Can use deceased's bank funds before probate.
- Notify organisations (Tell Us Once) - Use Tell Us Once service to notify HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office in one go. Separately notify banks, insurers, pension providers, utilities.
- Value the estate and apply for probate (if needed) - List all assets and debts. Apply for probate if estate over £5,000-£50,000 (varies by bank) or includes property. Takes 2-3 months to get grant.
- Close accounts and collect assets (2-6 months) - Use probate grant to close bank accounts, sell property if needed, collect investments. Each institution requires certified death certificate.
- Pay debts and distribute estate (after 6 months) - Wait mandatory 6-month creditor period. Pay outstanding debts, taxes. Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to will or intestacy rules.
Quick Tip
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.
Contents
Get a medical certificate of cause of 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.
Register the death
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:
- The death certificate (ask for multiple copies)
- A certificate for burial or cremation
- A Tell Us Once reference (to notify government departments)
Registering the death is free, but according to Citizens Advice, there's a charge for copies of the certificate (typically £12.50 each).
Arrange the funeral
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.
Notify relevant organisations
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:
- HMRC (tax)
- DVLA (driving licence)
- Passport Office
- DWP (benefits and pensions)
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.
Deal with the estate
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.
Apply for financial support if needed
Funerals can be expensive. If you're struggling, you might qualify for help from the government:
- Bereavement Support Payment – for partners of the deceased
- Funeral Expenses Payment – for people on certain benefits
- Local authority support – in cases where no one can pay
Farra’s checklist helps you check eligibility and apply for support.
Look after yourself
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.
Quick Reference: First 30 Days
Week 1: Immediate Actions
- →Get medical certificate of cause of death
- →Register the death within 5 days
- →Contact a funeral director
- →Inform close family and friends
Week 2-3: Arrangements
- →Plan the funeral service
- →Use Tell Us Once service to notify government
- →Contact banks and insurance companies
- →Find and secure the will
Week 4+: After the Funeral
- →Apply for probate if needed
- →Claim bereavement benefits
- →Cancel utilities and services
- →Seek grief support for yourself
For a full checklist, editable letter templates, and tailored guidance—create a free Farra account. Coming soon!
Next step: Get organised with Farra
Farra makes death admin manageable, providing clear checklists, reminders, and support at every stage.
Download your free checklist →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first things to do when someone dies?
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.
How long do I have to register a death in the UK?
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.
What is the Tell Us Once service?
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.
How soon should I arrange the funeral?
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.
Do I need to apply for probate?
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.
What financial support is available after a death?
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.
Who needs to be notified when someone dies UK?
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.
What documents do I need to register a death?
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.
How much does it cost to register a death UK?
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.
Can I register a death online UK?
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.
What happens if I don't register a death?
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.
Who can legally arrange a funeral UK?
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.
How do I access money to pay for the funeral?
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.
What to do immediately after someone dies at home?
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.
How long after death does the funeral take place UK?
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.
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