Bereavement checklist and timeline for the UK

Immediately

For the first hours and days.

Contact the appropriate professional. If the death was expected, follow the care team’s instructions. For an unexpected death, call emergency services. Tell the people who need to know now. Close family, a carer, employer and anyone caring for dependants or pets. Secure the home and essentials. Keys, pets, medication, heating and urgent appointments.

Before arranging the funeral

Look for a will and funeral wishes. Wishes guide the family but may not settle a dispute about legal authority. Identify who will take responsibility. Check executor or personal-representative arrangements before signing contracts. Check for a prepaid plan or insurance. Confirm what it actually covers before buying services separately. Set a workable budget. Check estate funds and official support before committing.

Registration and documents

Confirm the medical or investigation route. A medical examiner, coroner or Procurator Fiscal may be involved depending on nation and circumstances. Register the death when authorised. Follow your nation’s official process below. Order the death certificates you reasonably need. Organisations increasingly accept digital confirmation, so avoid guessing a large number. Use the available government notification service. Tell Us Once operates in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has its own processes.

Choose and book the funeral

Choose attended, simple or unattended arrangements. You can use a funeral director or ask about arranging independently. Compare itemised prices. Use Standardised Price Lists and compare the same service. Confirm the crematorium. Check time, travel, accessibility, service length and total fee. Plan the service. Leader, music, readings, webcast and an order that fits the slot. Give written ashes instructions. Collection, authorised collector, scattering or temporary holding.

Afterwards

Begin estate administration. Notify banks, insurers, pension providers, landlord or mortgage provider as relevant. Check benefits, tax and bereavement support. Use official eligibility services; circumstances and nation matter.

Official links by UK nation

England and Wales

What to do when someone dies · Register a death · Tell Us Once · Funeral Expenses Payment

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Registering a death · Funeral Expenses Payment

Deadlines and eligibility can change. Use the linked official service for the rule that applies today. This checklist is organisational help, not legal or benefits advice.