After someone has died

People to inform

Following a bereavement various people, companies, and other interested parties need to be told about someone who has died:

• A property that is part of a deceased person's estate may be exempt from council tax, to let the council know you can complete our online form.
• Local social services - if meals on wheels, home help, day centre transport was used
• Any hospital that the person was attending
• The deceased's local Inland Revenue office
• The local Benefits Agency office to cancel pensions, allowances, benefits etc
• Any employer or trade union
• A child’s or young person’s teacher, employer or college, should be informed if a parent, brother, sister, grandparent or close friend has died
• Car insurance company. People driving a car insured in the deceased’s name are not legally insured
• Local offices of British Gas, Electricity, British Telecom, Royal Mail deliveries, local newsagent
• If the deceased was receiving Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Reduction, the local council; also if the deceased was living in rented property the landlord
• Electoral services, you can do so using the contact electoral services form

Things that may need returning

Following a death, as well as informing people and organisations about the loss, some documents and other items may need to be returned.

• Any appropriate documentation and payment cards will have to be returned to the appropriate benefits office.
• The deceased's passport, driving licence, car registration documents, membership cards and National Insurance papers must all be returned to the relevant offices.
• Check for any library books that might need returning.
• If there was any NHS equipment being used it will need to be returned to either the hospital or health centre it came from.
• Any medical equipment loaned to the deceased will need to be returned. Contact their GP for guidance.

Planning a funeral

In this section you will find all the information you need to plan and arrange a funeral.

Planning a funeral