Register a death
Our teams can help guide you through the process of registering a death.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be electronically scanned directly to us from the Medical Examiners office once they have spoken to the family. The Coroner’s Office will also scan their paperwork directly to us. Once we have received the paperwork our system will allow you to book an appointment. When entering details please ensure that you use first name only, surname and date of death.
If you are unable to book an appointment, this could be that we have not received the paperwork. You will need to check with the Medical Examiners office.
Register a death
What to do after someone dies
We have created a guide to help you know what steps to take, and what legally needs to happen after someone has died.
1. Register the death
Register the death within five days of the registration office receiving the medical certificate of cause of death from the Medical Examiners office.
2. Arrange the funeral
Visit the Gov.uk site for help with arranging a funeral. You will also find information about:
- finding bereavement services from your local council
- getting help paying for a funeral
- getting help paying for a child's funeral
- finding bereavement help and support
3. Tell services about the death
You will need to inform all the relevant government departments when someone dies along with other services including banks, utility companies, and landlords or housing associations.
Get help with informing all services
4. Check if you can get bereavement benefits
You might be able to receive Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner has died, or Guardian's Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died
5. Deal with your own benefits, pension and taxes
Your tax, benefit claims and pension might change depending on your relationship with the person who died.
The Gov.uk website can help with:
- managing your tax, pensions and benefits if your spouse has died
- checking how benefits are affected if a child dies
6. Check if you need to apply to stay in the UK
If your right to live in the UK depends on your relationship with someone who died, you might need to apply for a new visa.
Visit the Gov.uk website for help if you're in the UK as the partner of a British Citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain
7. Apply for probate and check if you need to pay for Inheritance Tax
You might need to apply for probate and pay Inheritance Tax before you can deal with the property, money and possessions (the ‘estate’) of the person who died.
Find out more about wills and probate
8. Deal with the estate
Any debts or taxes owed by the person who's died must be paid. You can then distribute the estate as set out in the will or the law.
Visit the Gov.uk website for help with:
Mental Wellbeing
Mental Wellbeing Hampshire is a partnership of organisations working to support good mental health and wellbeing in our communities.
