Using Tell Us Once after a spouse or partner dies
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
Tell Us Once is the government's free service that notifies most central and local government departments at the same time. It's offered when you register the death.
What Tell Us Once does
Tell Us Once forwards the death notification to:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), tax, child benefit, tax credits
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), State Pension, benefits
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), driving licence
- Passport Office, cancels the passport
- Your local council, Council Tax, Blue Badge, library card
- Public sector pension schemes (NHS, Teachers', Civil Service, Armed Forces)
What it doesn't do
Tell Us Once is government-only. It does NOT notify banks, private pension schemes, insurers, utilities, mobile networks, subscriptions, employers or landlords. You'll need to contact those separately.
What changes for the surviving spouse
Once Tell Us Once is processed, the surviving spouse may automatically: become eligible for Bereavement Support Payment (DWP contacts you), have Council Tax reassessed for single-person discount, and have HMRC review tax codes. State Pension does NOT transfer automatically, you may need to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tell Us Once available in Scotland?
Yes, but the process is slightly different. The registrar gives you the reference and you can use it online or by phone, same as in England and Wales.
Is Tell Us Once available in Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland does not use Tell Us Once. The Bereavement Service there covers a similar set of government departments, and you can reach it on 0800 085 2463.
How long does Tell Us Once take to process?
Most departments update within 3–10 working days. Some pension scheme updates can take 4–6 weeks.
Can I do Tell Us Once after the appointment?
Yes, you have 28 days from registration to use the reference. After that you'd need to contact each department separately.
Want the rest organised in order?
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The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
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A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
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How the free government service notifies HMRC, DWP and your council in one go.
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Benefits and grants you may be entitled to claim.
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