03 Sep 2025
In this Special Issue Broadcast, we provide details on what to do after the passing of a loved one. Factors such as how to register a death, notifying various Government departments and how to effectively manage financial issues are included.
REGISTERING A DEATH
The first step, when dealing with the passing of a loved one, is to register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) - this includes weekends and bank holidays.
With this you will be provided with a 'Certificate for a Burial' which you will be able to give to the funeral director. Alternatively, you will be given an 'Application for Cremation' which you need to complete and give to the crematorium. You must do one of these before the funeral can take place.
Check what you need to do under the following circumstances:
The death has been reported to a coroner
The death happened outside the UK
You are registering a stillbirth
Someone is missing and you think they have died
To stop or change benefits payments, you should inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about the death straight away.
ARRANGING THE FUNERAL
Once you have registered the death, you can instruct a funeral director to arrange the funeral or do it yourself.
These links may be of use:
Arrange the funeral
Find bereavement services from your local council
Get help paying for a funeral
Get help paying for a child's funeral
Find bereavement help and support
TELLING THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE DEATH
HMRC's dedicated service 'Tell Us Once' allows you to inform all the relevant Government departments when someone passes away.
HMRC's website includes information on how to use the service, as well as information for those that, for whatever reason, are unable to access or use it. The webpages, with relevant information, can be found below:
Use the 'Tell Us Once' service to tell Government
If you cannot use Tell Us Once, tell Government yourself
You'll also need to inform banks, utility companies, and landlords or housing associations etc yourself.
CHECK IF YOU CAN GET BEREAVEMENT BENEFITS
There are certain circumstances wherein you may be eligible for financial help during this trying time. Some include the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) if your husband, wife or civil partner has died. Another is Guardian's Allowance which applies if you find yourself bringing up a child whose parents have passed away.
HMRC's website has dedicated pages on both of these bereavement benefits.
Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner has died
Guardian's Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died
DEAL WITH YOUR OWN BENEFITS, PENSION AND TAXES
Depending on your relationship to the person who has passed, your own tax, benefit claims and pension might be affected.
To help deal with these changes, HMRC has supplied information on how to manage these financial difficulties if your spouse or child passes. These pages can be found below:
Manage your tax, pensions and benefits if your spouse has died
Check how benefits are affected if a child dies
CHECK IF YOU NEED TO APPLY TO STAY IN THE UK
Similarly to your financial status being affected by the passing of someone, your right to live in the UK could also change. Depending on your relationship with the person who has passed away, you might need to apply for a new visa.
To check the rules regarding your right to live in the UK, follow the relevant links below:
You're in the UK as the partner of a British Citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain
Your partner who died served as a member of HM Forces
For further information, visit HMRC's website for UK Visa and Immigration HERE.
DEALING WITH THEIR ESTATE
When someone passes, it may be down to you to deal with the Will, money and property of that person. If you're a close friend or relative, or the executor of the Will then this may very well become your responsibility.
HMRC has guidance on how to deal with someone's estate – detailing the application of probate, valuing of an estate, property records and more.
Check if you need to apply for probate
Value the estate
Deal with the estate
Update property records
HOW WE CAN HELP
We can help on varying levels when a loved one passes away. If you are concerned or would like advice on any tax, probate or estate planning issues, we can help. Contact a member of our dedicated team on 01753 888211 or email info@nhllp.com
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