What to do when someone dies

A calm, practical checklist — so you’re not trying to remember everything while you’re grieving.

When someone dies, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. There’s often a blur of emotion, urgent decisions, and unfamiliar admin — all at a time when your capacity is at its lowest. This guide isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about helping you take the next right step, one thing at a time.

Start with the essentials

• Confirm the death If the death happened at home, you’ll need a medical professional to confirm it. If it happened in hospital or care, staff will guide you through the next steps.
• Register the death In the UK, deaths must usually be registered within five days. You’ll need the medical certificate of cause of death to do this.
• Collect key documents Gather ID, the will (if there is one), bank details, insurance policies, and any written wishes.

Take a moment before moving on

There’s often pressure — from others or from yourself — to act quickly. In reality, very little needs to be done immediately beyond the essentials. It’s okay to pause, breathe, and accept help.

In the days that follow

• Tell close family and friends Share the news at your own pace. You don’t need to explain everything or answer every question.
• Check for a will or instructions Look for any written guidance about funeral wishes, finances, or digital accounts.
• Understand who is responsible This may be an executor named in the will, or the next of kin if there is no will.

Arranging the funeral

Funeral arrangements don’t need to be rushed, even though it can feel like they do. Many people find it helpful to think about what feels right, rather than what’s expected.

• Look for expressed wishes This might be in a will, letter, or conversation you remember.
• Choose a funeral director They can guide you through options without pressure.
• Decide who to involve Family, friends, or faith leaders — there’s no single correct approach.

Handling accounts, bills and services

This part often feels the most daunting, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Making a simple list can help you feel back in control.

• Bank accounts and finances Notify banks and building societies. Accounts may be frozen until probate is sorted.
• Utilities and household bills Gas, electricity, council tax, phone and internet services may need closing or transferring.
• Subscriptions and memberships Streaming services, magazines, gyms and charities are often overlooked.
• Email and online accounts Access details aren’t always easy to find — take note of what exists.

Using the government’s Tell Us Once service

When you register the death, you’ll usually be offered access to the Tell Us Once service. This allows you to notify multiple government departments in one go, including benefits, pensions and driving licences. It can remove a significant amount of stress during an already difficult time.

Give yourself time

There’s no correct order, no perfect checklist — and no deadline for grief.

Some days you may feel capable of tackling paperwork. Other days you won’t. Both are normal. Try to be kind to yourself and accept help when it’s offered.

Keeping everything organised

One of the hardest parts after a death is not knowing where things are — which accounts exist, who needs contacting, or what the person would have wanted. Having everything organised in one place can make an enormous difference for the people left behind.