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.