When a loved one passes away, managing their financial affairs is one of the most important—yet often most daunting—tasks. While still grieving, families are often faced with numerous practical responsibilities: closing accounts, notifying institutions, stopping benefits and more.
This detailed guide outlines how to settle financial matters after death in a calm, methodical way, helping ensure the estate is managed properly, legally, and with the care it deserves.
Use the Tell Us Once Service
The UK Government offers a free and incredibly helpful service called Tell Us Once, which allows you to inform several government departments of the death in a single step.
Once you register the death at your local Register Office, you’ll be offered a unique Tell Us Once reference number that can be used online or by phone.
This service notifies departments such as:
- HMRC – to update tax and National Insurance records
- DWP – to stop state pension or benefits
- DVLA – to cancel a driving licence
- Passport Office – to void the passport
- Local council services – including council tax, Blue Badge schemes, electoral roll and housing benefits
Why does this matter?
This saves hours of time and prevents emotional strain by reducing the number of separate notifications you’ll need to make.
Notify Banks, Insurers and Financial Institutions
Notifying banks and financial institutions is one of the most critical legal steps. Each provider will have a bereavement or estates team to guide you through their process.
Entities to contact include:
- Banks and building societies (current accounts, savings, ISAs)
- Credit card and loan providers
- Pension and annuity companies
- Insurance providers (life, home, car, travel)
- Investment or shareholding platforms
You’ll typically need:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- A copy of the will or Grant of Probate (if available)
- Proof of your identity and authority as executor or next of kin
What happens next:
- Personal accounts will usually be frozen
- Joint accounts may transfer to the surviving account holder
- Final balances, interest, and statements will be calculated
- Direct debits and standing orders should be reviewed or cancelled
Tip: Always request a final statement for probate records.
Cancel Utilities, Subscriptions and Memberships
It’s essential to cancel or transfer any household and lifestyle services, especially if the property will be vacant for a period.
Make a checklist for:
- Energy suppliers (gas, electricity)
- Water provider
- Council tax
- TV licence
- Internet, broadband, and landline
- Mobile contracts
- Magazine subscriptions and streaming services
Request written confirmation of account closures and ensure any remaining credit is refunded to the estate.
Inform Health and Care Services
Don’t forget to notify health professionals and care providers:
- GP surgery and NHS community services
- Private homecare services – such as Country Cousins
- District nursing teams, pharmacies, or clinics
- Local carers or support workers
Many of these services may have active accounts, scheduled visits or equipment still in place.
Return Medical Equipment and Reclaim Refunds
If your loved one used mobility aids, oxygen machines or a hospital bed, these will likely need to be returned.
Items may have been provided by:
- The NHS or local health authority
- Social services
- A private care agency
You may also be eligible for refunds or deposits on:
- Care services (unused hours or overpayments)
- Rental equipment
- Prepaid subscriptions
- Landlord deposits
Make sure to request that any refund cheques are made payable to the estate, not an individual.
Keep Records for Probate
Good record-keeping is essential. Create a simple but organised system to document:
- Who you’ve contacted and when
- Copies of letters, emails, and forms
- Death certificate copies submitted
- Receipts for bills paid from the estate
- Final balances and account statements
These will be especially important when applying for probate and for ensuring transparency with beneficiaries.
How Country Cousins Can Help
At Country Cousins, we understand that the days and weeks after a loved one’s passing can feel heavy and complicated. Beyond offering compassionate care, our role is also to lighten the administrative load for families navigating grief.
We can assist by:
- Helping you identify which care and health services need to be notified
- Coordinating the respectful return of equipment from the home
- Providing final statements or records for probate
- Signposting you to local financial and legal services
- Offering emotional support and companionship when it matters most
Let Country Cousins be by your side as you close this chapter with dignity and care. Reach out to our team today for discreet, understanding support tailored to your family’s needs.
