Thank you for visiting our website
You will see our telephone number on every page - please feel free to call us if you want more information about anything you read here. We have an extensive range of information at our fingertips and if we do not know the answer to your question we will research it and call you back within an agreed time frame.
The information on this site relates to England and Wales, and includes some of the differences that apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you require more information relating to Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man please call us for assistance.
We regret that we are unable to give advice to callers from the Irish Republic and other countries unless the death occurred in the UK. However, the Citizens Information Board provided by the Irish Government provides a comprehensive website, which you can visit at www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/death
How do we get our information?
The information on this site is sourced from government and other professional websites and publications and experienced staff within Bereavement Advice Centre. It is reviewed and updated regularly. Information on these pages is of a general nature and we would encourage you to telephone us so we can give information and advice that applies to your specific circumstances.
We aim to provide an easy to use site and are working towards the standards for websites set by NHS Choices.
Please use the feedback page to tell us if you feel anything on this site is inaccurate, unclear or misleading so we can put things right.
A note about the language on this website
We understand that to you, the person who has died was an important unique individual. However, in organisations that exist to support the bereaved, writing or saying 'the person who has died' too frequently can seem awkward and so you will find that professionals often refer to 'the deceased' and we do this too. This does not imply any disrespect - it is the usual term in this situation.
In some situations there are important differences legally and in the benefit entitlements of bereaved people who are widowed or were in a civil partnership and those who were living together as a couple (regardless of gender) without any legal ceremony. On this website partner refers to anyone who is bereaved who was living with the person who has died, in a stable relationship. Spouse, widow(er) and civil partner refers to those who had a legally contracted relationship.
His/her, she/he are used interchangeably unless it is clear from the context that a specific gender is intended.