Who to notify after a death
Having to deal with the affairs of the deceased can be complicated and upsetting. Knowing who to notify after a death is an essential task that we can help guide you through.
When someone dies
When someone dies, the first steps you need to take will depend on how and where they died. See our useful guide to find out more.
Choosing a funeral director
The death of a loved one is one of the most upsetting experiences we have to go through. So, when choosing a good funeral director, what should you be looking out for?
How to register a death
Before you can begin to plan a funeral for your loved one you will need to register the death at the Registrar’s Office. It’s important that this is carried out within 5 days of receiving the medical certificate. Here we will explain how to register a death in Essex.
Probate & the will
What is Probate? And what happens if you can’t find a Will?
Our brief guide should help put your mind at rest.
Help with funeral costs
Bereavement is, without doubt, a devastating experience that can increase financial strain. If you’re in a position where you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, there are options available and you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
Simple & affordable probate services
Laurelo are committed to making probate simple, straightforward and affordable. Winners of several awards including Probate Provider of the Year 2022 and 2023 they provide a friendly probate service tailored to your needs.
Useful contacts
REGISTRAR’S
Essex Registrar
Tel: 0345 603 7632
Find your nearest registration office when registering a death
Coroner
Essex Coroners Office
Chelmsford: 0333 013 5000
Email: coroner@essex.gov.uk
Essex & Thurrock: 01245 506837
Southend: 01245 506806
Funeral price options
We are pleased to offer a number of price options, which include Unattended Cremation, Simple Cremation, and the Traditional Funeral package.
How to simplify the death notification process
Life Ledger a free, easy-to-use, service helping the recently bereaved inform businesses across the UK of the death of a loved one. Their platform reduces the administrative burden around death and simplifies the death notification process for both the bereaved and the companies they need to inform.
“I can’t recommend Bennetts Funerals highly enough. My whole family has been so impressed by the impeccable service and attention offered to us. The staff and service provided were professional, yet personal, which exceeded our expectations. Due to the pandemic, it was a small funeral, and yet thanks to Bennetts Funerals, it was utterly dignified. Thanks to Jane, Gary, Grant, and the rest of the team.“
Mrs F
from Brentwood
Who to notify after death can not always seem very obvious. If you are worried about who to tell when someone has died, this simple checklist will act as a handy guide to help you through the process. Why not print it out and tick things off as you go? You will also find many useful contact numbers of organisations offering support and help HERE.
What information should I have to hand after a death?
It’s a good idea to have as much of the following information close to hand about the person who has died. This will simplify the task of completing any forms or documents and giving information verbally over the phone.
- National Insurance number
- National Health Medical number
- NHS number
- Date and place of birth
- Date of marriage or civil partnership (if appropriate)
- Child Benefit number if applicable
- Tax reference number
Who to notify after a death in the first five days?
- Speak to the family doctor
- Your local registrar to register the death
- Find the Will. (The deceased’s solicitor may hold this)
- Talk to your funeral director. (Check the Will for funeral wishes)
- If the deceased was in receipt of benefits or tax credits, contact the Bereavement Service
- Blue badge holders – the badge must be returned to the Blue Badge Unit
- If the person who has died was the first named on an insurance policy, make contact as early as possible to check that you are still insured
Others who may need to know when someone has died
- Relatives and friends
- Employer
- Solicitor
- Accountant
- Doctor/Dentist/other health professionals
- Church
- Social Groups
As well as informing people who are close to the person, in many cases, you’ll need to close down accounts, or cancel/change insurance details, subscriptions, agreements, payments, or direct debits.
Which Government Organisations should be contacted after a death?
- HMRC Tax Office
- National Insurance Contributions Office if they were self-employed (to cancel payments)
- Child Benefit Office (at latest within eight weeks)
- UK Identity and Passport Service
- DVLA to return any driving license, cancel car tax, or return car registration documents/change ownership
GOV.UK operates a ‘Tell Us Once’ initiative, a free service which allows you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
What Financial Organisations should be contacted after a death?
- Insurance companies for home, car, travel, or medical
- Pension providers
- Life insurance companies
- Banks and building societies
- Mortgage provider
- Hire purchase or loan companies
- Credit card providers and store cards
- Utility companies/TV internet companies/Mobile phone
- Life Ledger
If there is a Will
Contact the Executor(s) if this isn’t you. The Executor(s) has/have been nominated in the Will to sort out the deceased’s affairs. They can then start the process of applying for Probate
If there is no Will
- Decide who will apply to sort out the deceased’s affairs
- Contact the Probate Registry to apply for ‘letters of administration
Knowing who to notify after a death can be confusing. If you need further help with the affairs of the deceased and who to notify when someone dies, the staff at Bennetts Funeral Directors can offer you friendly advice and guide you through the process.