Next steps after a death
Last checked September 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
In the first week you need the medical cause of death paperwork, an appointment to register the death, and a funeral director if you want one. Registration is within five days of the medical examiner's notification in England and Wales, eight days from the death in Scotland, and five days in Northern Ireland. Banks, pensions and insurers come after that.
- England and Wales
- Register within 5 days of the notification
- Scotland
- Register within 8 days of the death
- Northern Ireland
- Register within 5 days
- Coroner involved
- The clock pauses until they release the person
- Tell Us Once
- Free, notifies DWP, HMRC and the council in one go
The first week has a short list of things that genuinely have to happen. Everything else can wait.
If the death happened in hospital
The hospital will verify the death and arrange the medical cause of death paperwork, which in England and Wales goes to a medical examiner before it reaches the registrar. The bereavement office will call you, usually within a day or two, to tell you when you can book the registration appointment. The hospital mortuary will keep the person until you name a funeral director, so there is no need to choose one that day.
Get your next steps in order
A few answers give you a checklist for your situation. Free to start.
Get my checklistIf the death happened in a hospice or care home
Staff there are used to this and will verify the death, contact the doctor and, if you ask, contact a funeral director on your behalf. Ask them what paperwork they are sending and where, so you know who to chase. You will also need to collect belongings and settle any fees, but neither is urgent.
If the death happened at home
If it was expected, call the GP surgery, or 111 out of hours. If it was unexpected or sudden, call 999. A doctor must verify the death before a funeral director can collect the person. Some deaths are referred to the coroner, or the procurator fiscal in Scotland, which is routine and does not mean anything is wrong.
The first week, in order
This is the whole list for week one.
- Get the medical cause of death paperwork moving, usually by phoning the GP surgery or hospital bereavement office
- Book the registration appointment at the register office as soon as they tell you it is ready
- Order several copies of the death certificate at the appointment; most banks and insurers want to see one
- Use Tell Us Once, or the Scottish equivalent, to notify DWP, HMRC, the council and the DVLA in one go
- Choose a funeral director if you want one, and get the price in writing
- Look for a will, a pre-paid funeral plan and any life cover
- Secure the property if it is now empty, and tell the insurer
What can wait
Probate, closing accounts, valuing the estate, dealing with a property and inheritance tax all belong to the following weeks and months. Nothing is lost by leaving them. The one exception is an empty property, because most insurers restrict cover after 30 to 60 days unoccupied.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first things to do after a death?
Get the death verified by a doctor, get the medical cause of death paperwork moving, book the registration appointment, and choose a funeral director if you want one. Nothing else in the first week is urgent.
How long do I have to register a death in the UK?
Five days from the medical examiner's notification in England and Wales, eight days from the death in Scotland, and five days in Northern Ireland. If a coroner or procurator fiscal is involved, the clock does not start until they release the case.
Who do I need to tell when someone dies?
Tell Us Once covers DWP, HMRC, the council, the DVLA and the Passport Office in one go. Banks, pensions, insurers, utilities and subscriptions have to be told separately.
How many death certificates should I order?
Most families need between four and ten. Copies ordered at the registration appointment are cheaper and faster than ordering them later, so it is worth over-ordering slightly.
Get your personal checklist
See your next steps and dates in one place. Free, with no account needed.
Get my checklistSee the week-by-week checklist
See the week-by-week checklistMore guides in this series
What to do in the first 24 hours after a death
A practical checklist for the first 24 hours after someone dies in the UK: getting the death verified, contacting a funeral director, and what NOT to do.
What to do when someone dies at home in the UK
Step-by-step for the first few hours when someone dies at home, expected or unexpected, with or without a doctor present.
How long death admin really takes
The realistic shape of UK death admin: how many organisations get told, what each step takes, where people get stuck, and the order that works best.
Related guides
What is probate?
What it means, when you need it, what it costs and how to apply yourself.
What to do when someone dies
The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
Death admin checklist
A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
Tell Us Once explained
How the free government service notifies HMRC, DWP and your council in one go.
Closing accounts after death
Step-by-step for banks, utilities, pensions and subscriptions.
Bereavement financial help
Benefits and grants you may be entitled to claim.
Probate explained
When you need it, what it costs, and whether you need a solicitor.
Arranging a funeral
Every option and what it costs, and how to choose a funeral director.
Prepare your probate application
Gather the estate details, check what you need and build a pack before you apply yourself.
Funeral cost calculator
Estimate a funeral for your area and the choices you are making.
