When a loved one passes
It's essential to follow the appropriate steps based on where the death occurred and whether the coroner's involvement is required. Below is a guide to help you through this process, including updated procedures specific to the UK, where only one doctor’s signature is now required for the medical certificate of cause of death, as well as useful contact information for registrars and hospitals in Urmston, Gatley, and the south and southwest Manchester areas.
Step 1: Where the Death Occurred and What to Do
At Home
● Expected Death:
- If the death occurs at home and is expected, contact the deceased's GP's surgery. Once verified, you can contact us to take the deceased into our care. After a Medical Examiner has reviewed the circumstances of the death the GP will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death, which will be sent directly to the Registrar. The Registrar will then contact the family to schedule an appointment to register the death.
● Unexpected Death: If the death at home is unexpected, dial 999 for an ambulance. Emergency services will guide you through the next steps. In cases of unexpected death, the police will be called, and they must report the death to the Medical Examiner who will recommend a coroner. Once verified, the coroner will appoint funeral directors to take the deceased to the hospital mortuary.
At a Hospice or Nursing Home
If the death occurs at a hospice or nursing home and there is no coroner involvement, after the death has been verified, they will arrange for us to take the deceased into our care. After a Medical Examiner has reviewed the circumstances of the death the GP will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death, which will be sent directly to the Registrar. The Registrar will then contact the family to schedule an appointment to register the death.
In Hospital
If the death occurs in a hospital and there is no coroner involvement, the bereavement office will explain how the medical certificate of cause of death will be issued. After a Medical Examiner review the hospital doctors will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death, which will be sent directly to the Registrar. The Registrar will contact the family to arrange an appointment for registering the death. Each hospital requires specific paperwork before we can bring the deceased into our care, and we will guide you through this process.
Elsewhere
If the death occurs outside the home area, local GPs, hospitals, or the coroner will handle the necessary paperwork. Registration of the death must take place in the district where the death occurred. If the deceased is to be returned home for the funeral, we will arrange transportation and all necessary arrangements.
Abroad
If the death occurs abroad, certain circumstances may prevent local hospitals or GPs from issuing a medical certificate of the cause of death. In such cases, the death must be reported to the coroner, usually by a GP or police officer.
Step 2: Involvement of the Coroner
The coroner may decide that further investigation is necessary to determine the cause of death, such as a post-mortem or CT scan. The coroner may be involved in cases where:
-
The cause of death is unknown.
-
The deceased was not attended by a doctor during their final illness.
-
Death was sudden and unexplained.
-
The doctor had not seen the deceased within 14 days before death or after death.
-
Death occurred during an operation or under anaesthesia.
-
Death was caused by an industrial injury or disease.
-
Death was violent, unnatural, or under suspicious circumstances.
-
Death occurred due to violence, neglect, abortion, or poisoning.
If a post-mortem or CT scan shows death due to natural causes, the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the Registrar's office. If an inquest is required, the registration of the death cannot proceed until after the inquest concludes. An interim death certificate will be issued for immediate needs, such as banking arrangements, and the funeral director will receive the necessary forms for funeral arrangements.
Step 3: Registering the Death
The death must be registered at the district register office where it occurred. Appointments are required, so please call ahead. The following individuals can register a death:
-
A relative present at death.
-
A relative present during the final illness.
-
A relative residing in the sub-district where the death occurred.
-
A person present at death.
-
The person responsible for funeral arrangements (excluding the funeral director).
-
The occupier of the premises where death occurred.
The Registrar Requires
- Medical certificate of the cause of death (sent directly if reported to the coroner).
- Additional documents like driving license, medical card, birth certificate, passport, and marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
Information Needed
- Date and place of death.
- Deceased's last address.
- Deceased's full name and surname (maiden name if applicable).
- Deceased's date and place of birth (birth certificate helpful but not essential).
- Deceased's occupation.
- Full name, date of birth, and occupation of spouse/civil partner (if applicable).
- Whether the deceased was receiving a pension or benefits.
The Registrar Will Provide
- Certificate of burial or cremation (Green Form), available in print or emailed directly to the funeral director.
- Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8), to be sent to relevant authorities if the deceased received state pension or benefits.
- Death Certificate (or Death Entry), copies available for wills, insurance policies, bank, and private pension schemes (charges apply).
- Registration by Declaration for non-local registrants, with additional processing time between local and district registrars.
Tell Us Once Service
The Tell Us Once service simplifies the process of notifying various government departments and local council services when someone passes away.
What It Does
-
1. Notifies Relevant Departments:
The service notifies government departments and local council services, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Passport Office, and local council services like council tax, housing benefit, and electoral services.
-
2. Reduces Administrative Burden:
It streamlines the process, reducing the number of administrative tasks during a difficult time.
-
3. Convenient and Efficient:
Information is securely transmitted to relevant departments during your appointment to register the death.
-
4. Sensitive Handling:
Information is handled securely and confidentially by the government departments involved.
What It Does Not Cover
-
1. Private Sector Notifications:
Banks, insurance companies, utility providers, or subscription services need to be informed separately by the next of kin or executor.
-
2. Overseas Notifications:
The service primarily covers notifications within the UK. Separate notifications are necessary for international assets.
-
3. Changes to Personal Records:
While it updates government records, it does not handle personal accounts or services.
-
4. Legal and Financial Matters:
Tell Us Once notifies relevant authorities but does not handle legal or financial matters like probate.
Suggested List of People to Contact
-
Car Insurance:
Change documentation if the policy is in the deceased's name.
-
Social Services/District Nurses:
Return any equipment.
-
Hospital and/or Family Doctor:
Cancel any outstanding appointments.
-
Employer or Professional Association
-
Inland Revenue
-
Social Security:
Complete Form 344/BD8 to cancel direct payments into a bank account.
-
Local Council:
Cancel housing/rate benefits and council tax.
-
Utilities:
Gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable companies.
-
Post Office:
Arrange redirection of mail (charges may apply).
-
Credit Card Companies:
Cancel cards and settle accounts.
-
Banks and Building Societies:
Close accounts or amend joint accounts.
-
Investments and Insurance Policies:
Consult a Financial Advisor or Accountant for guidance.
-
Store Cards
-
Season Tickets and Club Membership Cards
-
Library Books and Card
-
Make provision for the care of any pets.
-
National Insurance Papers
-
Private Pension Providers
-
Solicitor/Accountant
-
Life Assurance
-
House and Contents Insurance
-
Travel Insurance
-
Dentist
-
Optician
-
Mobile Phone Provider
-
Broadband Provider
-
Mortgage Provider/Landlord
-
Car Insurance:
Change the policyholder’s name or request a refund.
-
Television License