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Serving Dorset for over 110 years

Who To Tell When Someone Dies

Experiencing the death of a loved one is an undoubtedly difficult time, and it can be even more difficult if you are unsure of who to notify when someone dies. Firstly, it is good to tell relatives and friends of the deceased. After you’ve told family and friends about the death of their loved one, you can start informing various agencies about the person’s death.

As well as informing loved ones when someone has died, you will have to start notifying organisations. Who to tell when someone dies will depend on someone’s circumstance, but could include landlords, employers and insurance companies. Government and council departments should be notified as soon as possible once you have received a death certificate. Read our checklist of who to tell when someone dies:

YOU’LL NEED TO CONTACT THE FOLLOWING (WHERE RELEVANT):

  • Banks and building societies
  • The Inland Revenue
  • Local Council – to cancel Housing Benefits and Council Tax
  • Social Security (form 344/BD8 will be supplied to you by the Registrar of Deaths and you’ll need to complete it and return with relevant pension or allowance books)
  • Family doctor/hospital/district nurses – to cancel appointments and return any loaned equipment
  • Local utility companies (particularly if a property is being left vacant)
  • Credit card companies and store cards – to cancel and pay off outstanding balances
  • Insurance companies – car insurance documents may need to be changed
  • Dentist/optician/hairdresser
  • Employer or professional association

YOU’LL ALSO NEED TO RETURN THE FOLLOWING (WHERE RELEVANT):

  • Passport to the Passport Office
  • Driving License to the DVLA
  • Vehicle Registration Documents to change name of ownership
  • National Insurance Papers
  • Library books and cards
  • Premium Bonds – the Bonds and Stocks Office will need to be notified