Who you need to tell

Find out who you need to tell and what you need to know following the death of a loved one.

On this page

• Registering a death
• Tell Us Once service
• Other services to tell
• Steps to take following a bereavement
• Financial support following a bereavement
• Ask for help finding the information you need

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Registering a death

We have put together guidance for you with information on:

• where you can register a death
• who can register
• documents you will need to take
• documents you’ll receive once the death has been registered.

For more information, go to How to register a death

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Tell Us Once service (GOV.UK)

The Government's Tell Us Once service simplifies the process of informing government departments and local council services about a death. 

For more information, including a video explaining what the service is and how it can help you, go to our Tell Us Once service information page.

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Other services to tell

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) can remove your phone number and address from most mailing and telephone sales lists in the UK. You can sign up on the following websites: 

• The Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
• Mailing Preference Service (MPS)

This will help stop many of the direct marketing messages you receive, particularly if they originate from within the UK.

Baby Mailing Preference Service

The Baby Mailing Preference Service can help parents following the loss of a baby. Signing up to the service can help reduce the amount of post received by parents.

Visit the Baby Mailing Preference Service website

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Steps to take following a bereavement

The Government has a step by step guide with information on the steps following a bereavement, including:

• registering a death
• arranging the funeral
• applying for probate
• bereavement benefits support
• pensions
• taxes and more.

Visit What to do when someone dies: step by step (GOV.UK)

Money Helper's bereavement guide

You can also find helpful guidance on What to do when someone dies (Money Helper)

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Financial support following a bereavement

Help for paying for a funeral

The Money Helper website offers free and impartial guidance, including:

• costs and options for paying for your funeral
• financial support to cover funeral costs
• bereavement benefits you may be entitled to
• debt advice following a bereavement.

Visit Help for paying for a funeral page (Money Helper)

Help paying for a child's funeral

You might also be eligible for financial support towards the cost of a child’s funeral.

Visit How to claim for costs of a child’s funeral (GOV.UK)

Public health funeral

A public health funeral may be provided for someone who has passed away with no next of kin, relatives or friends who are willing and able to make the necessary funeral arrangements.

Go to Public health funerals: good practice guidance (GOV.UK)

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Last updated: 5 November 2024