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What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide


A grieving woman in a dark outfit holds a bouquet of carnations

When you lose someone you love, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork and phone calls. But there are important practical steps that need to be taken, often within specific timeframes. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about what to do when someone dies in the UK, so you can focus on what matters most – being with family and beginning to grieve.


What to do when someone dies UK: What You Need to Do First

The immediate steps after someone dies depend entirely on where and how the death occurred.

Don't worry about getting everything perfect – there are people whose job it is to help you through this.


If Someone Dies at Home (Expected Death)

When death was expected – perhaps after a long illness or in hospice care – the process is more straightforward:


Your first calls:

  1. Contact their GP practice or district nurse

  2. Call the nearest relative (if that's not you)


A doctor or nurse will come to verify the death and complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This gets reviewed by a medical examiner, who'll then speak with the family to make sure everyone understands and agrees with the medical certificate.


You can ask questions at this stage – it's completely normal to want clarity about what happened.

When you're ready: Contact a funeral director to arrange for the body to be moved. There's no rush with this step.


If Someone Dies at Home (Unexpected Death)

If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999 immediately and explain what's happened.

The police will visit as part of standard procedure – this might feel unsettling, but it's completely routine for unexpected deaths. They're not investigating anything sinister; they just need to understand the circumstances to help the coroner.


If the cause of death isn't clear, or if the person hadn't seen a doctor recently, the death may be reported to a coroner. This could mean a post-mortem examination, which may delay funeral arrangements. However, if you need to arrange the funeral quickly for religious reasons, make sure to mention this.


If Someone Dies in Hospital, Hospice, or Care Home

Hospital deaths: The medical team will guide you through the next steps. They'll verify the death and usually issue an MCCD after review by a medical examiner. The body will be cared for in the hospital mortuary until you arrange for a funeral director to take over.


Hospice or care home deaths: Staff will contact a doctor or nurse to verify the death in person. Once this happens, you can arrange for a funeral director to bring your loved one into their care.


If Someone Dies Abroad

Register the death according to that country's requirements first. The local death certificate can usually be used in the UK, though you might need a certified translation if it's not in English.


To register the death with UK authorities as well, contact the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office on 020 7008 5000.


Registering the Death: What You Need to Know

You have 5 days to register the death with a registrar, unless an inquest is needed.


Finding the Right Register Office

You can book an appointment at any register office in England and Wales, but there's a practical advantage to using the one in the area where the person died – you'll get all the documents you need on the same day. If you use a different area's office, there'll be a delay.


What Information You'll Need


Essential details:

  • Full name (including any previous names like maiden names)

  • Date and place of birth (just the country if born outside the UK)

  • Date and place of death

  • Their usual address

  • Most recent occupation and retirement status

  • Whether they were receiving benefits, including State Pension

  • Spouse or civil partner's name, occupation, and date of birth (even if they've already died)


Helpful documents to bring:

  • Birth certificate

  • Medical card or NHS number

  • Passport

  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate

  • Driving licence

  • Proof of address (like a recent utility bill)


What You'll Receive

After registration, you'll get:

  • Green Form: Certificate for burial or cremation

  • Unique code: For the Tell Us Once service (more on this below)

  • Death certificate: You need to buy this – you'll need it for sorting out their estate


Pro tip: Buy several copies of the death certificate. You'll likely need them for banks, insurance companies, and other organizations.


Who to Contact After a Death

There are numerous organizations that need to know when someone dies. The good news is that the Tell Us Once service can handle many of these notifications in a single go.


Using Tell Us Once

This free government service contacts multiple departments for you, including:

  • Local services (libraries, electoral services, Council Tax)

  • HM Passport Office

  • DVLA

  • Department for Work and Pensions

  • HMRC for tax purposes

The registrar can help you use this service, or you can do it online with the unique code they give you.


Other Organizations to Contact

You'll still need to contact some organizations directly:

  • Banks and building societies

  • Insurance companies

  • Pension providers (personal and occupational)

  • Employers or trade unions

  • Mortgage providers or landlords

  • Utility companies

  • GP, dentist, optician, and other healthcare providers

  • Charities and subscriptions they supported


Helpful tip: Register with the Bereavement Register (call 0800 082 1230 or register online) to stop most advertising mail.


Planning the Funeral

Your loved one might have left funeral wishes in their will, or they may have had a pre-paid funeral plan that covers most arrangements.


If not, the executor of the will or a close relative typically decides between burial and cremation, and what type of service feels right.


Working with a Funeral Director

Before choosing a funeral director, check they're registered with:


Get itemized quotes that include:

  • Funeral director's services

  • Individual items (like the coffin)

  • Body transfer from place of death

  • Care of the body before the funeral

  • Hearse to crematorium or cemetery

  • All necessary paperwork

There may be additional third-party costs (crematorium fees, clergy fees) that you'll need to pay upfront. Ask for a clear explanation of all charges.


Arranging a Funeral Yourself

You can arrange a funeral without a funeral director – this can be more personal and less expensive, but requires more organization.


The Natural Death Centre offers excellent guidance for DIY funerals and maintains a list of natural burial grounds if you're considering an eco-friendly burial.


Funeral Costs and Financial Help

Funerals can be paid for by:

  • Family and friends

  • Life insurance or pension lump sum

  • Pre-paid funeral plan

  • The deceased's estate (funeral costs take priority over most debts)

  • Bank funds (though they may wait for probate)


If you need financial help:

The Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions can help if you're on a low income. It covers up to £1,000 towards costs like the coffin and flowers, but there are strict eligibility requirements.


You must be claiming Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits, and have had a close relationship with the deceased. You must apply within 6 months of the funeral.


Other options include:

  • Budgeting Loans or Budgeting Advances (interest-free loans of £100-£812)

  • Public health funerals arranged by the council if there's no money available


Dealing with Their Estate

What happens next depends on whether they made a valid will and whether you're named as an executor.

If they made a will and you're the executor, you'll need to apply for a grant of probate to deal with their estate. This is the legal process of distributing their money, property, and possessions according to their wishes.


Considering Eco-Friendly Options

If your loved one cared about the environment, or if you're looking for a more personal alternative to traditional funeral options, you might want to consider eco-friendly choices.


Sustainable funeral options include:

  • Biodegradable coffins made from materials like willow, bamboo, or cardboard

  • Natural burial grounds where bodies can return to the earth naturally

  • Woodland burials that help create new forests

  • Direct cremation with memorial services in meaningful locations


Many families find that eco-friendly funerals feel more personal and aligned with their values. Some companies even offer the opportunity for families to participate in creating the coffin, which can be a meaningful way to honor their loved one.


Taking Care of Yourself

Remember that grief affects everyone differently, and there's no "right" way to feel or "correct" timeline for healing.


Support is available:

  • Cruse Bereavement Care offers free support

  • Many areas have local bereavement support groups

  • Your GP can refer you to counseling services

  • Online communities can provide connection with others who understand


Getting Help When You Need It

You don't have to handle everything alone. Funeral directors, registrars, and government services are there to help guide you through the process.


If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions, it's completely normal. Take things one step at a time, and don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals.



Sources and Further Information

This guide has been compiled using official government sources and established bereavement organizations to ensure accuracy and reliability. For the most current information, always check directly with the relevant authorities.


Government Resources


Bereavement and Support Organizations


Funeral Industry Resources


Financial and Legal Support


Contact Information for Key Services

  • Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (deaths abroad): 020 7008 5000

  • Bereavement Register: 0800 082 1230


Last updated: August 2025. Government processes and contact information may change. Always verify current procedures with official sources.

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