What to do when someone dies

When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what steps need to be taken, particularly if it is unexpected.

If  the person dies in hospital or at a hospice or care home, then staff  there will know exactly what needs to be done and can guide you on   anything you need to do. If the death occurs at home, then the first  step that needs to happen is for the doctor to be called to confirm and   certify the death. Either way, you will be provided with a medical   certificate confirming the cause of death and allowing you to register   the death.

If the doctor is unsure  about the cause of death then they will report it to a coroner. A  post-mortem may then be needed to ascertain the cause before a medical  certificate is issued.

Registering a death

You must register a death in England or Wales at a Registry Office within five days. 

Once  registered, you will be given the death certificate and it is   advisable to purchase additional copies as these may be required by   banks, insurance companies and other organisations. The death   certificate is also required to enable the deceased’s will to be   executed. You will also be given a ‘green certificate’ which should be   given to the funeral director to allow for the burial or cremation to   take place.

You may also be given  Form BD8 which is used to advise Social  Security or your local  Jobcentre Plus in case the deceased was receiving  any benefits or tax  credits.

Who Can Register The Death? 

• A close relative (e.g. spouse, child, brother, sister, parent, guardian)
• A relative in attendance during the last illness
• A relative living in the district where the death occurred
• A person present at death
• The person responsible for arranging the funeral

How Do I Register The Death? 

The  death must be registered in the Registry Office for the district where  the death happened. Our Funeral Director will advise you on which office  you should go to.

What Documents Do I Need To Take To The Registrar? 

• The Medical Certificate of  Cause of Death (Normally Issued by the GP or Hospital Doctor) is absolutely necessary
• If you have them readily available, it is also worth taking the deceased's Medical Card and Birth Certificate
• You Also Need To Give The Registrar The Following Information:     
  • Date And Place Of Death
  • Full name of the deceased (maiden name if married woman)
  • Home address
  • Date and place of birth
  • National Insurance number (this is needed for the tell us once service)
  • Occupation, if married, full name of surviving spouse

The Registrar Will Then Give You:

• A Green Certificate which should be given to the funeral director as soon as possible
• A White Certificate (BD8) for the Department of Work and Pensions.
• This is to stop any benefits and pensions from the DWP and should  be handed in at the local office or sent in the envelope provided
• Certified copies of the death certificate for insurance companies, banks, building societies and solicitors.