What to Do When Someone Dies

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. It’s important to know the steps to take and be aware of new regulations that have been introduced to ensure the process is handled with care and compliance. As of 9th September 2024, new regulations regarding the certification of death have been implemented in the UK. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when someone passes away:

Step1. Immediate Action

1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

At Home

If the death occurs at home, you should contact the deceased’s GP or call 111 if it’s out of hours. They will advise on the next steps and provide guidance on who to notify.
In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will usually take care of this process and guide you on what needs to be done next.

Step 2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been reported, you should contact a funeral director to begin making arrangements. Funeral directors can offer support and advice during this time, helping you with the necessary steps and paperwork.

Step 3. Death Certification Review Process

Under the new regulations, a Medical Examiner will review the circumstances of the death before a death certificate can be issued. Here’s how the process works:

Medical Examiner’s Role

A Medical Examiner will review the medical notes and speak with the doctor who attended the deceased. This examiner will decide whether the death certificate can be signed by the attending doctor or if a coroner needs to be involved.
Doctor or Coroner

The Medical Examiner will determine whether the attending
doctor can sign the death certificate or if there is a need for a coroner’s involvement. This process helps ensure that all deaths are accurately certified and that any that require further investigation are properly referred.

Step 4. Registering the Death

After the death certificate has been signed, you will need to register the death. This must be done within five days in England and Wales (eight days in Scotland). The following individuals can register a death:

A relative present at death.
A relative present during the final illness.
A relative residing in the sub-district where the death occurred.

A person present at death.
The person responsible for funeral arrangements (excluding the funeral director).
The occupier of the premises where death occurred.

The registrar requires the following informatio

Date and place of death.
Deceased's last address.
Deceased's full name and surname (maiden name if applicable).
Deceased's date and place of birth (birth certificate helpful but not essential).
Deceased's occupation.
Full name, date of birth, and occupation of spouse/civil partner (if applicable)
Whether the deceased was receiving a pension or benefits

Involvement of the Coroner

The coroner may decide that further investigation is necessary to determine the cause of death, such as a post-mortem or CT scan. The coroner may be involved in cases where:

The cause of death is unknown.
The deceased was not attended by a doctor during their final illness.
Death was sudden and unexplained.
The doctor had not seen the deceased within 14 days before death or after death.
Death occurred during an operation or under anaesthesia.
Death was caused by an industrial injury or disease.
If a post-mortem or CT scan shows death due to natural causes, the coroner will send necessary paperwork to the register office. If an inquest is required, registration of the death cannot proceed until after the inquest concludes. An interim death certificate will be issued for immediate needs, such as banking arrangements, and the funeral director will receive necessary forms for funeral arrangements.
Medical certificate of the cause of death
Additional documents like driving license, medical card, birth certificate, passport, and marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable).

The registrar will provide

Certificate of burial or cremation (Green Form), available in print or emailed directly to the funeral director.
Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8), to be sent to relevant authorities if deceased received state pension or benefits.
Death Certificate (or Death Entry), copies available for will, insurance policies, bank, and private pension schemes (charges apply).

Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service is designed to simplify the process of notifying various government departments and local council services when someone passes away.

What It Does:

1. Notifies Relevant Departments
Tell Us Once notifies government departments and local council services about the death of an individual. This includes departments such as:
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)\
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- Passport Office
- Local council services (e.g., council tax, housing benefit, and electoral services)
Reduces Administrative Burden

By using Tell Us Once, you can avoid the need to individually contact each department separately. This helps streamline the process and reduces administrative tasks during a difficult time.
Convenient and Efficient

Once you provide the necessary information to the registrar, they will use the Tell Us Once service on your behalf. This typically happens during the appointment to register the death. Information is securely transmitted to relevant departments, ensuring timely updates to records.
Sensitive Handling

Information shared through Tell Us Once is handled securely and confidentially by the government departments involved. It ensures that sensitive personal data is protected according to legal requirements

What It Does Not Cover:

1. Private Sector Notifications

Tell Us Once does not notify private sector organisations, such as banks, insurance companies, utility providers, or
subscription services. These will need to be informed separately by the next of kin or executor.
2. Overseas Notifications

The service primarily covers notifications within the UK. If the deceased lived or held assets abroad, separate notifications will be necessary according to the laws and regulations of those countries.
3. Changes to Personal Records

Tell Us Once updates government records to reflect the death, but it does not handle changes to personal records or accounts, such as closing bank accounts or cancelling subscriptions.
4. Legal and Financial Matters:

While Tell Us Once notifies relevant authorities about the death, it does not handle legal matters such as probate or financial matters like settling debts and distributing assets.

Step 5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, you can proceed with arranging the funeral. Your funeral director will help you plan the service, whether it’s a burial, cremation, or another type of ceremony. They will ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the service respects the wishes of the deceased and their family.

Step 6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

Informing Institutions

Notify banks, insurance companies, utility providers, and any other relevant institutions of the death. You may need to provide copies of the death certificate.
Wills and Probate

If the deceased left a will, contact the executor to begin the process of probate. If there is no will, the estate will be handled according to the laws of intestacy.

Step 7. Seek Support

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional grief counsellors. Many organisations also offer bereavement support services.

Summary

The involvement of a Medical Examiner will help ensure that deaths are appropriately reviewed and certified. Knowing what to do when someone passes away can make a difficult time a little more manageable, ensuring that all legal and administrative processes are handled with care and respect. For further guidance, always consult with a funeral director or legal advisor.

The following is a suggested list of people to contact.

Car Insurance

Documentation will have to be changed as you are not legally insured to drive if the policy is in the deceased name.
Social Services/District Nurses:

If there is equipment belonging to either of these, it must be returned.
Hospital and/or Family Doctor

Any outstanding appointments should be cancelled.
Employer or Professional Association
Inland Revenue
Social Security

Form 344/BD8 needs to be completed to cancel any direct payments into a bank account. This white certificate is provided by the Registrar of Deaths
Local Council

Cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax.
Utilities

Gas, electric, water, telephone and cable companies.
Post Office

Arrange redirection of mail, a small charge may be made.
Credit Card Companies

Cancel cards and pay up accounts.

Banks and Building Societies

Accounts need to be closed and any joint accounts need to be amended.
Investments and Insurance Policies

Premium Bonds are not transferable. The Post Office will issue you with a form that needs to be sent to the Bonds and Stocks Office. For further advice suggest that you consult a Financial Advisor or Accountant.
Store Cards
Season Tickets and Club Memberships Cards
Library Books and Card
Make provision for care of any pets
National Insurance Papers
Private Pension Providers
Solicitor/Accountant
Life Assurance

House and Contents Insurance
Travel Insurance
Dentist
Optician
Mobile Phone Provider
Broadband Provider
Mortgage Provider/ Landlord Car Insurance
To change Policy Holder’s name or a refund may be issued.
Television License
Car Insurance change Policy Holder’s name or a refund may be issued

What to Do When Someone Dies