What Happens to Someone’s Benefits When They Die?

Benefits and State Pension do not simply become part of somebody’s inheritance when they die.

Payments may need to stop, overpayments may need to be repaid, and the surviving partner or family may find that their own entitlement changes.

The practical first step is to make sure the death reaches the relevant government departments.

Tell Us Once can notify DWP and HMRC

Where available, Tell Us Once notifies the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs.

DWP can then stop benefits and entitlements paid to the person who died, including State Pension where relevant.

HMRC can deal with tax, tax credits and related records.

Do not spend a payment just because it arrived after the death

A benefit or pension payment may reach an account after somebody has died.

That does not necessarily mean the estate is entitled to keep it.

Keep the money available until DWP, the pension provider or relevant organisation confirms the position. This can avoid creating a repayment problem later.

The surviving person’s benefits may change

A death can change household income, housing costs, caring responsibilities and the composition of a benefit claim.

If you were part of a joint Universal Credit claim, receiving a benefit connected to your partner or relying on their income, your own position may need to be reviewed.

Tell Us Once stops or updates the deceased person’s records, but do not assume it automatically makes every new claim or adjustment the surviving person may need.

There may be bereavement-related support

Depending on the circumstances, financial help may include Bereavement Support Payment for some people whose spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner has died.

Other support exists in particular circumstances, including Guardian’s Allowance and parental bereavement provisions.

Eligibility rules matter, so use current official guidance or benefits advice rather than assuming the name of a payment means you qualify.

Private and workplace pensions are separate

Tell Us Once covers some specified public-sector pension schemes, but it does not automatically deal with every private or workplace pension.

Contact relevant pension providers.

There may be death benefits, survivor’s pensions or lump sums depending on the scheme rules and the person’s circumstances.

Check your own entitlement again

If household income has fallen, it can be worth checking benefits from the beginning rather than only looking at what the person who died used to receive.

A benefits calculator or qualified benefits adviser can help identify support relating to income, housing, council tax or other circumstances.

Bereavement can change entitlement even where the household previously received nothing.

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.