Who Needs to Be Told When Someone Dies?
One of the most exhausting parts of dealing with a death can be repeating the same information to organisation after organisation.
One of the most exhausting parts of dealing with a death can be repeating the same information to organisation after organisation.
A useful way to make the task manageable is to divide notifications into two groups: government organisations that may be covered by Tell Us Once, and everybody else.
Start with Tell Us Once where it is available
Tell Us Once can be used where the person was living in England, Scotland or Wales and the death has been registered, or in some coroner cases where the required certificate is available.
A registrar will either complete the service with you or give you a unique reference number.
If you use the service yourself, GOV.UK currently says the reference must be used within 28 days.
Which government organisations can it notify?
Tell Us Once can notify organisations including HMRC, DWP, HM Passport Office, DVLA and the person’s local council.
Depending on circumstances, this can deal with State Pension or benefits, tax records, a passport, driving licence, vehicle records, Blue Badge, electoral registration and some council services.
It also covers specified public-sector pension schemes.
Tell Us Once does not close the whole financial life
You will usually still need to contact private organisations.
These can include banks and building societies, mortgage providers, insurers, utility companies, landlord or housing association, employer, private or workplace pension providers, mobile and broadband companies, subscriptions and other businesses with which the person had contracts.
Prioritise accounts that can keep paying or charging
Some notifications are more urgent than others.
A pension provider should be told promptly if pension payments are continuing, because money paid after death may need to be repaid.
Similarly, identify direct debits, subscriptions, insurance and household services that continue to affect the estate or the surviving household.
Do not simply cancel everything
Some services need to continue.
The home may still require electricity, gas, water, buildings insurance, broadband or security while the estate is administered.
If a surviving partner or family member still lives there, an account may need changing into another name rather than closing.
Ask the provider what process applies after bereavement.
Make a notification tracker
A simple list can prevent repeated work.
Record the organisation, account or reference number, date contacted, what they asked for, documents sent and whether anything remains outstanding.
Do not put passwords or sensitive security information into an insecure shared list.
If Tell Us Once cannot be used
GOV.UK provides separate instructions for notifying relevant organisations yourself.
This includes HMRC, DWP, pension providers, DVLA and HM Passport Office where applicable.
The process is longer, but you do not lose the ability to report the death because Tell Us Once is unavailable.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important informationThis guide provides general information and is not intended to provide legal, financial, medical or other professional advice. Procedures can differ depending on where the person died, where they lived, whether a coroner is involved and the circumstances of the estate. Check current official guidance and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional where needed.