Who to Inform when Someone Dies
- Tell family members and friends about the death.
- Employer or educational establishments.
- Health professionals. You will also need to cancel any outstanding hospital, dental, podiatry or other health related appointments.
- Agencies providing care such as social services, home carers, meals on wheels and day centres.
Financial organisations
- Banks/National Savings/building societies.
- Insurance companies (e.g. life, buildings/contents, medical, car, travel).
- Pension providers.
- Credit card/store card providers.
- Any other financial institutions must be informed so that any accounts solely in the deceased's name can be frozen to prevent fraud. You should also inform companies/organisations with joint accounts, although these should normally still be accessible by the other joint holder.
Property and utilities
- Mortgage provider.
- If the deceased lived in rented accommodation, inform the local authority, housing association or private landlord.
- Buildings and property insurance companies to ensure continued cover especially if the property is left unoccupied.
- Utility companies (electricity, gas, water and telephone) and arrange transfer of account details if necessary.
- TV/internet companies.
Government offices
- Pensions Service or Jobcentre Plus to cancel any benefits to the deceased or their carer. To find out more, you can call us for advice and contact details.
- Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to deal with tax and Child Benefit payments (if applicable).
- Local government offices that provide services such as the Electoral Register, housing benefit, council tax office, bus pass, disabled parking permits, library membership.
- The DVLA and the insurance company if the deceased owned a car or held a driving licence.
- The Passport Agency.
Other contacts
- Arrange redirection of post if necessary and reduce the burden of any unwanted mail by registering with the Bereavement Register.
- Clubs/membership organisations/social groups.
- If the deceased held a firearms licence for work and/or recreational purposes, please contact your local police station.
Click here to out more about informing companies and organisations
⇦ Registering adeath and arranging a funeral Managing the estate ⇨