What To Do When Someone Dies In The UK

Losing someone close to you can feel overwhelming. In the first few hours and days after a death, there are a number of practical tasks that may need attention. While every situation is different, this guide outlines the main steps to take when someone dies in the UK.

1. Obtain Confirmation of Death

If the person dies at home and the death was expected, contact their GP surgery or the healthcare professional involved in their care.

If the death was unexpected, you may need to call 999. The police, ambulance service or a medical professional will advise on the next steps.

In a hospital, hospice or care home, staff will guide you through the process and explain what happens next.

2. Obtain the Medical Certificate

Before a death can usually be registered, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be issued by a doctor or medical examiner.

The certificate explains the cause of death and is required for registration in most cases.

If the death is referred to the coroner, the process may be slightly different.

3. Register the Death

In England and Wales, a death should normally be registered within five days, unless the coroner is involved.

The death is usually registered at the Register Office in the area where the person died.

You may need to provide information such as:

• Full name of the person who died

• Date and place of death

• Date and place of birth

• Last address

• Occupation

• Marital or civil partnership status

The registrar will explain the process and provide the documents you need.

4. Ask About the 'Tell Us Once' Service

Many register offices offer the Tell Us Once service.

This free government service allows you to report a death to multiple government departments at the same time, including:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

• Passport Office

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

• Local council services

Using Tell Us Once can save time and reduce the number of organisations you need to contact separately.

5. Order Multiple Death Certificate Copies

When registering the death, you can purchase certified copies of the death certificate.

Many organisations, including banks, pension providers and insurance companies, may request an official copy.

Ordering several copies at the time of registration is often easier and less expensive than requesting them later.

6. Contact Family and Close Friends

Informing family members and close friends is often one of the earliest priorities.

You may find it helpful to keep a simple list of who has been informed and who still needs to be contacted.

7. Begin Funeral Arrangements

If funeral wishes are known, these can help guide decisions.

If not, family members may need to decide whether burial or cremation is preferred and choose a funeral director.

A funeral director can help with practical arrangements, paperwork and planning.

8. Gather Important Documents

As you begin managing practical matters, it can be useful to collect important documents in one place, including:

• Death certificates

• Will (if one exists)

• Pension information

• Insurance policies

• Bank account details

• Property documents

Having these documents organised can make later administrative tasks much easier.

9. Notify Relevant Organisations

Over the following weeks, you may need to contact:

• Banks and building societies

• Pension providers

• Utility companies

• Insurance providers

• Employers

• Subscription services

Keeping a record of who has been contacted can help prevent confusion later.

Take Things One Step At A Time

The first days after a bereavement can feel overwhelming. Remember that not every task needs to be completed immediately.

Focus on the essentials first, accept support where it is offered, and work through practical matters one step at a time.

If you would like a simple way to organise contacts, documents, accounts and important tasks, The First 30 Days After Loss organiser has been designed to help you keep everything in one place during the early weeks after bereavement.

View the organiser →