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What to Do When Someone Passes

Step 1: Immediate Actions Based on Location

At Home

Expected Death:

Contact the deceased’s GP. The GP or a community nurse will verify the death, after which you can contact us to take the deceased into our care. The GP will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death, sent directly to the Registrar, who will then contact the family to schedule a registration appointment.

Unexpected Death:

Dial 999 for an ambulance. Emergency services will guide you, and the police will be notified to report the death to the coroner. The coroner will then arrange for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary.

At a Hospice or Nursing Home

If there is no coroner involvement, a GP or qualified staff member will verify the death. They will arrange for us to take the deceased into our care. The GP will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death, sent directly to the Registrar, who will contact the family for registration.

In Hospital

If no coroner is involved, the bereavement office will explain how the medical certificate of the cause of death will be issued and sent to the Registrar. The Registrar will then contact the family to arrange a registration appointment. We will guide you through any required paperwork before bringing the deceased into our care.

Elsewhere

Local GPs, hospitals, or the coroner will handle necessary paperwork. The death must be registered in the district where it occurred. If the deceased needs to be returned home for the funeral, we will arrange transportation and all necessary arrangements, including for deaths abroad.

Abroad

If a death occurs abroad, local hospitals or GPs may not issue a medical certificate of the cause of death. The death must be reported to the coroner, usually by a GP or police officer.

Step 2: Coroner Involvement

The coroner may investigate the cause of death through a post-mortem or CT scan if:

The cause of death is unknown
The deceased was not attended by a doctor during their final illness
Death was sudden and unexplained
The doctor had not seen the deceased within 14 days before death or after death
Death occurred during an operation or under anaesthesia
Death was caused by an industrial injury or disease
Death was violent, unnatural, or under suspicious circumstances
Death occurred due to violence, neglect, abortion, or poisoning

If the post-mortem or CT scan shows natural causes, the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the register office. If an inquest is required, death registration cannot proceed until after the inquest. An interim death certificate will be issued for immediate needs, and the funeral director will receive necessary forms for funeral arrangements.

Step 3: Registering the Death

The following can register a death:

A relative present at the death
A relative present during the final illness
A relative residing in the sub-district where the death occurred
A person present at the death
The person responsible for funeral arrangements (excluding the funeral director)
The occupier of the premises where the death occurred

The registrar requires:

Medical certificate of the cause of death (sent directly if reported to the coroner)
Additional documents like driving license, medical card, birth certificate, passport, and marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

Information needed includes:

Date and place of death
Deceased's last address
Deceased's full name and surname (maiden name if applicable)
Deceased's date and place of birth (birth certificate helpful but not essential)
Deceased's occupation
Full name, date of birth, and occupation of spouse/civil partner (if applicable)
Whether deceased was receiving a pension or benefits

The registrar will provide:

Certificate of burial or cremation (Green Form), available in print or emailed directly to the funeral director
Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8), to be sent to relevant authorities if deceased received state pension or benefits
Death Certificate (or Death Entry), copies available for will, insurance policies, bank, and private pension schemes (charges apply)
Registration by Declaration for non-local registrants, with additional processing time between local and district registrars

Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service simplifies notifying various government departments and local council services about the death. Here's what it covers:

Notifies relevant departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), DVLA, Passport Office, and local council services.
Reduces administrative tasks by avoiding the need to contact each department separately.
Information provided to the registrar is securely transmitted to relevant departments, ensuring timely updates to records.
Sensitive handling of information shared through the service.

What it does not cover

Notifications to private sector organisations, such as banks, insurance companies, utility providers, or subscription services.
Overseas notifications; separate notifications are needed according to the laws of other countries.
Changes to personal records or accounts, such as closing bank accounts or cancelling subscriptions.
Legal and financial matters such as probate or settling debts and distributing assets.

Suggested Contacts

Car Insurance

Change documentation, as driving is not legally insured if the policy is in the deceased's name.

Social Services/District Nurses

Return any equipment belonging to these services.

Hospital and/or Family Doctor

Cancel any outstanding appointments.

Social Security

Complete Form 344/BD8 to cancel direct payments into a bank account. This form is provided by the Registrar of Deaths

Local Council

Cancel housing/rate benefits and council tax.

Utilities

Gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable companies.

Post Office

Arrange redirection of mail, which may incur a small charge.

Credit Card Companies

Cancel cards and pay up accounts.

Banks and Building Societies

Close accounts and amend joint accounts

Investments and Insurance Policies

Consult a Financial Advisor or Accountant for guidance on bonds, stocks, and insurance policies.

Employer or Professional Association

Inland Revenue

Store Cards

Season Tickets and Club Membership Cards

Library Books and Card

Care of Pets

National Insurance Papers

Private Pension Providers

Solicitor/Accountant

Life Assurance

House and Contents Insurance

Travel Insurance

Dentist

Optician

Mobile Phone Provider

Broadband Provider

Mortgage Provider/Landlord

Television License

For further assistance and personalised guidance, please contact Sue Gibbons Funeral Services. We're here to support you with understanding and empathy during this difficult time.