What to do in the first 24 hours after a death
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
In the immediate aftermath there are only a handful of things you actually have to do. Most admin can wait, and starting too early can create work you'll have to redo.
If the death was expected at home
Call the GP or 111. They'll arrange for a doctor to verify the death. If it was hospice care, call the hospice team, they'll handle verification.
Want the rest organised?
We'll put everything that needs doing in order for your situation. Usually a couple of minutes, free.
Build my checklistIf the death was unexpected
Call 999. Paramedics will attend and confirm the death. The case may be referred to a coroner; that's normal and doesn't imply anything wrong.
If the death was in hospital or a care home
Staff handle the immediate steps. They'll explain when you can collect belongings and how the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will reach the medical examiner.
Contact a funeral director (no rush)
Funeral directors can collect the person from anywhere, 24 hours a day. You don't need to have chosen a funeral plan, just pick a local director to start with. You can change directors later if you want.
What you do NOT need to do yet
Wait on these:
- Cancelling direct debits, most cause problems if cancelled too early
- Informing banks, wait until you have the death certificate
- Telling employers and HMRC, that's what Tell Us Once is for
- Returning a passport or driving licence, Tell Us Once handles it
- Distributing belongings, wait for probate (or at least clarity on the will)
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a body home before the funeral?
Yes, this is legal in the UK. Speak to the funeral director about practical arrangements (refrigeration, timing). Some families find this comforting.
When do I need to register the death?
In England and Wales, within 5 days of the medical examiner's office telling you the certificate has gone to the register office, not from the death itself. In Scotland, 8 days from the death. In Northern Ireland, 5 days from the death.
Want the rest organised in order?
A few short questions, shaped by your answers, and we'll put everything that needs doing into one checklist. Usually a couple of minutes, free.
Build my checklistFull UK checklist
Full UK checklistMore guides in this series
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.
Read guideWhen a death is reported to the coroner
Why deaths get referred, how an interim certificate lets you carry on, and what an inquest means for registering the death and applying for probate.
Read guideWhat to do when someone dies abroad
Registering the death locally, getting UK paperwork organisations will accept, repatriation versus a funeral overseas, and where the FCDO can help.
Read guideRelated guides
What to do when someone dies
The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
Read guideDeath admin checklist
A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
Read guideTell Us Once explained
How the free government service notifies HMRC, DWP and your council in one go.
Read guideClosing accounts after death
Step-by-step for banks, utilities, pensions and subscriptions.
Read guideBereavement financial help
Benefits and grants you may be entitled to claim.
Read guide