What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK

Losing someone close is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. Alongside the grief, there are practical matters that need to be handled. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step checklist of what you need to do when someone dies in the UK.

The first 5 days

• Get the medical certificate: A doctor who treated the deceased during their final illness will provide a medical certificate of cause of death
• Register the death: You must register the death within 5 days at any register office in England and Wales
• Order death certificates: Get at least 5–10 certified copies – you will need them for banks, insurers, and other institutions
• Notify close family and friends: Let key people know and begin planning the funeral
• Use Tell Us Once: This free government service notifies DWP, HMRC, the Passport Office and other agencies simultaneously

The first few weeks

• Locate the will: Check the deceased's home, with their solicitor, or the Principal Probate Registry
• Apply for probate: If the estate has property or assets over the small estate limit, you will need a grant of probate
• Notify the DWP: To stop benefits and check if the estate needs to repay anything
• Contact pension providers: Find out if there are any pension benefits due to the estate or surviving spouse

Estate administration

• Notify banks and building societies: Use the Death Notification Service or contact each institution directly
• Cancel direct debits: Stop ongoing payments for services no longer needed
• Deal with property: Secure the property, redirect mail, and inform utility providers
• Collect assets: Gather funds from all accounts once probate is granted
• Pay debts: Clear any outstanding debts from the estate before distribution

How SafeKept helps

SafeKept brings all these tasks into a single dashboard. Track your progress, notify institutions with one click, and store documents securely. Whether you are an executor handling your first estate or a professional managing dozens, SafeKept makes the process clearer and faster.