Who to Notify When Someone Dies in the UK

When someone dies, a number of people, companies and government organisations may need to be notified. Knowing who to contact - and which notifications need dealing with first - can make the administration much easier to manage.

This UK guide covers the main organisations you may need to tell after a death, including government departments, banks, pension providers, insurers, utility companies and subscription services.

Family and Friends

One of the first priorities is usually informing:

• Close family members

• Friends

• Neighbours

• Carers

• Religious or community contacts

It can be helpful to keep a simple list of who has been informed and who still needs to be contacted.

Government Departments

Many government departments can be notified through the Tell Us Once service.

This may include:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

• Pension Service

• Passport Office

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

• Local council services

Ask the registrar about Tell Us Once when registering the death.

Banks and Building Societies

Banks and building societies should be informed so they can update their records and explain any next steps.

You may need:

• Death certificate copies

• Account details

• Information about the executor or administrator

Pension Providers

Contact any pension providers to:

• Notify them of the death

• Discuss any benefits that may be payable

• Update account records

This may include workplace, private and personal pensions.

Insurance Companies

You may need to contact providers of:

• Life insurance

• Home insurance

• Vehicle insurance

• Health insurance

• Funeral plans

Some policies may provide financial support or benefits following a death.

Utility Companies

Utility providers should be informed so that accounts can be updated or transferred.

This may include:

• Gas

• Electricity

• Water

• Broadband

• Telephone services

Keep a record of account numbers and contact dates where possible.

Employers

If the deceased was employed, their employer should be notified.

The employer can advise on:

• Outstanding salary payments

• Workplace pensions

• Employee benefits

• Death-in-service benefits

Mortgage Providers and Landlords

If the deceased owned or rented a property, relevant organisations should be informed.

This may include:

• Mortgage lenders

• Housing associations

• Landlords

• Managing agents

Subscription Services

Many people have ongoing subscriptions that continue automatically unless cancelled.

Examples include:

• Streaming services

• Magazine subscriptions

• Membership organisations

• Online software services

Reviewing bank statements can help identify active subscriptions.

Digital Accounts

It may also be necessary to manage online accounts such as:

• Email accounts

• Social media platforms

• Online shopping accounts

• Cloud storage services

Each provider will have its own process for handling accounts after a death.

Keeping Track of Notifications

Keeping a record of who has been contacted, when you contacted them and what happens next can help prevent important tasks being missed or duplicated, particularly when several family members are helping with the administration.

• Organisation name

• Contact date

• Reference number

• Outcome or next steps

This can help avoid duplicate calls and make future administration easier.

A Gentle Reminder

Not every organisation needs to be contacted immediately. Focus on the most important notifications first and work through the remaining tasks at a manageable pace.

This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute as legal advice.