Things to cancel when someone dies

When someone close to you dies, there are a lot of things to consider in addition to arranging the funeral. You may be struggling to know where to start with notifying other organisations about the death. This list of businesses and organisations will help you decide who you need to contact.

Bank Accounts

In order to manage the finances of someone that has died, you will need to obtain a grant of probate. This is a legal document that will give you authority to deal with the deceased person’s estate. You can pay funeral costs before probate is granted as most banks will usually allow a direct payment to the funeral director upon presentation of the final bill.

The Death Notification Service

The Death Notification Service is free and allows you to notify several organisations about the death, at the same time. Predominantly, this service allows you to notify banks and building societies.

Tell Us Once

Tell Us Once is a government service that allows you to report the death to multiple government agencies at the same time. In order to use the service, you will need:

J Date of birth

J National Insurance number

J Driving licence number

J Vehicle registration number

J Passport number

J Medical certificate (may be required if they died at home)

The Tell Us Once will notify:

J HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

J Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

J Passport Office

J Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

J The local council

J Veterans UK

Utility companies

If a property has been left unoccupied by the person that has died, you will need to inform the relevant utility companies. It is recommended that you take meter readings as soon as possible. If the property will remain occupied, the accounts should be transferred to the person living in the property. Please note that home and contents insurance may become invalid after a death, so you should ensure the company is notified and they can amend the policy accordingly.

Mortgage companies

If there is a mortgage in place, where a home was jointly owned, the monthly payments will still be required. A life insurance policy or the estate monies may cover the payment, however if not you should speak to a financial advisor who will be able to provide guidance.

Post

You should contact Royal Mail to arrange a redelivery if the property is to be unoccupied.

Subscriptions for TV, internet and phone

You should contact the relevant company to cancel any subscriptions as soon as possible. These could include Netflix, Sky and Spotify for example.

Social media accounts

Most people have a digital footprint, and you may need to access these. There is a blog on our website about accessing a digital legacy. n

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com

Kelly Owen is a funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an awardwinning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at www.tomowenandson.com allwch chi wneud gwahaniaeth i fywydau plant a phobl ifanc lleol yn sir y fflint? could you make a difference to the lives of local children and young people in flintshire?

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