| What to Do When Someone Dies — Key Deadlines | |
|---|---|
| Register death | Within 5 days in England and Wales; 8 days in Scotland |
| Report to DWP | Within 1 month — Tell Us Once service notifies most government departments |
| IHT deadline | 6 months from end of month of death (or interest accrues) |
| Probate application | No strict deadline but delay can complicate estate administration |
| Bereavement payment | Claim within 3 months of death for full amount (BSP) |
| Council tax | Notify local authority immediately — exemption may apply |
First 24–72 Hours
If the death occurred at home, call the deceased's GP who will attend and certify the cause of death. If the cause is sudden, unexpected or unexplained the coroner will be involved and you must wait for the coroner's permission to register. If death occurred in hospital the hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to take to the register office. Contact a funeral director — they can help with the paperwork and advise on timelines.
Within 5 Days — Register the Death
Registration takes place at the local register office in the district where the death occurred. The registrar needs the MCCD. They will give you the green certificate for burial or cremation (without this the funeral cannot proceed) and certified copies of the death certificate. Order at least 6–8 certified copies (£11 each) — banks, insurers and HMRC each require originals.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a government service that notifies multiple departments with a single registration: HMRC (tax records and NI), DWP (state pension, benefits), DVLA (driving licence cancellation), passport office (passport cancellation), local council (council tax, electoral register, library). Ask for the Tell Us Once reference number when you register the death — it saves significant time. (Source: gov.uk/after-a-death/tell-us-once)
| 💡 Tip: Tell Us Once does not notify banks, insurance companies or utilities. Those must be contacted separately, in writing, with a certified death certificate. |
Within the First Month — Financial Notifications
Contact every financial institution in writing with a certified death certificate. Banks will freeze sole accounts and begin the process for releasing funds (with or without probate depending on the amount). Joint accounts typically continue operating for the surviving holder. Check for: current accounts, savings accounts, ISAs (ISAs become an 'inherited ISA allowance' for a surviving spouse — up to the value of the deceased's ISA), pensions (contact the pension provider — death benefits are usually outside the estate and paid at the trustee's discretion), life insurance policies, Premium Bonds (notify NS&I — bonds can be held for 12 months post-death in case of prize wins), and any share portfolios.
Bereavement Support Payment
If your spouse or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017 and was under state pension age, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment. The higher rate (if you have dependent children) is £3,500 lump sum plus £350/month for 18 months. The lower rate is £2,500 plus £100/month for 18 months. You must claim within 3 months of the death to receive the full amount — claiming later means fewer monthly payments. (Source: gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment)
6 Months — IHT Deadline
IHT must be paid within 6 months of the end of the month in which the person died, or HMRC charges interest at the official rate. The IHT400 form (or IHT205 for excepted estates) must be submitted to HMRC. For property in the estate you can elect to pay IHT on the property element in instalments over 10 years (though interest accrues). (Source: HMRC IHT guidance)
12 Months — Estate Administration Complete
Once the grant of probate or letters of administration is obtained, you can collect in all assets, pay debts and liabilities (in priority order — secured creditors first, then funeral costs, then preferential debts, then ordinary creditors), and distribute the residuary estate to beneficiaries. Keep accounts of all transactions. Beneficiaries are entitled to estate accounts. Any income earned by the estate during the administration period is subject to income tax; file a trust and estate tax return (SA900) if required.
| Disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Figures are correct at date of publication but may change. Always check primary sources (gov.uk, FCA register) and consult a qualified adviser for guidance tailored to your situation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to a sole bank account when someone dies?
The bank freezes the account on notification of death. Funds are released once the executor presents the grant of probate. Banks may release smaller amounts (up to £5,000–£50,000 depending on the bank) without probate under a small estates process using a signed indemnity.
Do I need to notify the council when someone dies?
Yes. Tell the local council immediately. An empty property is exempt from council tax for 6 months while the estate is being administered, provided it was the deceased's sole or main residence. Tell Us Once handles this automatically if you use the service.
What happens to a private pension when someone dies?
Defined contribution pension funds are normally held in trust and do not form part of the estate for IHT purposes. The trustees pay death benefits at their discretion, guided by an expression of wishes form (nominate a beneficiary with every pension). Defined benefit schemes pay a dependant's pension per scheme rules.
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