Share
What to do when someone dies
When someone close to you dies everything can seem a bit of a blur and it can be hard to know what to do first. There are a lot of organisations that can provide support, help and information.
Here are some practical steps you might need to take, with links to charities and organisations that can help you through this difficult time. You can download a PDF copy here.
Help paying for a funeral
One of the first things you need to do when someone dies is arrange their funeral. This is a big expense, so you’ll need to think about if you can afford it without putting yourself in a tricky situation.
- Is there a funeral plan or insurance? - check the paperwork of the person who's died to see if they paid for their funeral in advance.
- Bank accounts - if the person who's died had a bank account that still has money in it, the bank may agree to pay the funeral director straight from the account once it sees the person’s death certificate.
- Funeral Expenses Payment (called Funeral Support Payment in Scotland) or Budgeting Loan – you may qualify for help from the government towards the costs.
- Public health funerals – the local council of the person who’s died or the hospital they were in can arrange a public health funeral if there is no money to pay for a funeral.
Understanding what else needs to be done
There are lots of things that need to be done after someone dies. The organisations below all have useful explanations about the steps to take:
Bereavement benefits
Your finances can be affected when you lose a loved one, and you may suddenly have less money to cover your regular expenses.
Now that your circumstances have changed, you may be entitled to bereavement benefits and other financial support, such as:
- Bereavement Support Payment – you may be eligible for this if your husband, wife or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017, and you were under State Pension age.
- Turn2Us – our national charity partner, has a free to use online benefits checker.
- Citizens Advice – free, impartial and confidential advice either over the phone or online. Contact your local Citizens Advice or visit the Citizens Advice website to find out more.
Help with housing costs
Housing costs make up a large part of most peoples’ income. Your household income will fall if your partner or spouse die, but you may be eligible for housing benefits or a reduction in your Council Tax from your local authority.
Full Council Tax is based on at least two adults living in a home. If you lose a loved one and find yourself either living on your own, or with no other adult in your household, you’re entitled to a 25% cut in your Council Tax bill - regardless of your income.
The Government’s website has guides to help you learn more about how council tax works, as well as housing costs and universal credit benefits.
Support with tax matters after a death
You may have to deal with your own tax, or the tax of the person who died. Depending on your income, there may be free sources of help available.
- Tax Help for Older People – free help for those close to age 60 or over, and with an annual income of less than £20,000. You can call them on 0130 848 8066.
- TaxAid – free help with tax problems for people on low incomes. You can call them on 0345 120 3779 (10am to 4pm on Mon-Fri).
- Citizens Advice – free, impartial and confidential advice over the phone or online. Contact your local Citizens Advice or visit their website to find out more.
- GOV.UK – a useful round-up of the different tax support available.
- HMRC – get help dealing with HMRC if you need extra support.
Dealing with debts after a death
You may be worried about getting into debt, or find yourself owing money, after a bereavement. There are organisations that can help.
- StepChange – a charity offering free debt advice and practical debt solutions. You can call them on 0800 138 1111.
- National Debtline – a charity offering free debt advice by phone and online. You can call them on 0808 808 4000.
Managing your money after someone dies
A death in the family can often mean you need to rethink your finances. It may seem daunting but here are some steps to help you take control of your money:
- MoneyHelper Budget Planner - a useful tool to help you manage your household spending.
- Help with bills - you may be entitled to help with living costs if you are struggling to pay your household bills. This guide has more information.
- Where to look for an adviser - speak to a financial adviser, who can help review your finances and offer you advice specific to your situation. The advisers on these sites can sell products from other providers, as well as from us.
If you need someone to talk to after a death
There are many organisations that can put you in touch with someone to talk to after a bereavement:
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy – find a qualified counsellor or therapist through this organisation.
- Cruse Bereavement Care – a charity providing free grief and bereavement counselling. Call the helpline on 0808 808 1677.
- Cruse Scotland – a charity providing free grief and bereavement counselling in Scotland. Call the helpline on 0808 802 6161.
- Samaritans – a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Call the helpline on 116 123.
- WAY – peer to peer support groups for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. You have to pay a membership fee*. They can be contacted at Suite 14, College Business Centre, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3WZ.
- If you work for a large employer – check with your HR department or manager if your employer offers counselling through an employee assistance programme.
- Local support groups – your GP should be able to provide you with details of any local counselling that’s available
Support for children after a death
There are special organisations that can provide bereavement counselling for children:
- Child Bereavement UK – a charity that gives support when a child is facing bereavement. Call the helpline on 0800 028 8840.
- Grief Encounter – helping children through bereavement. Call the helpline on 0808 802 0111.
- Winston’s Wish – a UK childhood bereavement charity. Call the helpline on 0808 802 0021.
*In 2025 the annual membership fee is £30.
More money guides
Our handy guides cover a wide range of financial matters including budgeting, debt, how to cut your bills, retirement and making a will.
