Practical help when someone you know dies

Published: 6 November 2026

When someone you know dies, there can be a lot to organise in a short time.

We have practical information to help you understand what to do first, including:

  • looking after yourself
  • registering the death
  • organising a funeral
  • using the death certificate
  • finalising an estate
  • who to tell.

If the person who died was getting a payment from us, it’s important to tell us within 28 days so we can update our records.

Find out more about what to do when someone dies.

Page last updated: 6 November 2026.
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