Coping with the loss of a loved one is an emotionally taxing experience, and managing the associated administrative tasks can feel overwhelming. In the UK, the Tell Us Once service aims to ease this burden by streamlining the process of notifying government departments and local councils after a death

Here’s everything you need to know about the Tell Us Once service, its benefits, and how it works

‍What Is the Tell Us Once Service?

Tell Us Once is a service offered by most local authorities on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The service allows you to inform central and local government services of the death at one time rather than having to email, write, telephone or even attend each service individually. The Tell Us Once service is free to use and can save you a great deal of time and effort

The service ensures that the deceased’s records are updated efficiently and securely across various departments, minimising the risk of missed notifications or unnecessary correspondence

Before proceeding with this service, it’s essential to note that it cannot be utilised without a death certificate. Therefore, before reaching out to obtain this tool, ensure you have gathered all the required documents. Once your file is complete, please submit it to the Registrar’s Office located near the place where the death occurred

The Death Certificate

‍To obtain a death certificate, the first step is to report the death to the relevant authorities. If the death occurred in a medical facility, the hospital will usually handle this process. For deaths outside a medical setting, it must be reported to the local police or municipal authorities. After the death is reported, a medical practitioner will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is essential for registration

With the MCCD in hand, visit the Registrar’s Office in the area where the death occurred. At the office, you will need to complete a death registration form and submit the MCCD along with any other required documents, such as identification for both the deceased and the applicant. Once the registration is processed, the death certificate will be issued. Be sure to check with the Registrar’s Office for any fees and the expected timeline for receiving the certificate

Who Does Tell Us Once Notify?

‍The Tell Us Once service notifies a wide range of central and local government organisations, saving you the hassle of contacting each one individually. These include:

Central government departments:

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): To manage pensions, benefits, or allowances
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): For tax and National Insurance updates
• Identity and Passport Services: To cancel a passport
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): To update vehicle registration records and cancel a driver’s license
• War Pensions Scheme: For those receiving war-related pensions

Local Council Services (on request):

• Housing Benefit Office: To adjust or cancel housing benefits
• Council Tax and Council Tax Benefit Office: For updates on council tax obligations
• Collection of Payments for Council Services: Including services like rent or waste collection
• Libraries: To update or cancel library memberships
• Electoral Services: To remove the deceased from the electoral roll
• Blue Badge Scheme: For canceling disabled parking permits
• Adult and Children’s Services: For relevant local care or support programs

‍How does the service work?

‍Using Tell Us Once is simple and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step outline:

‍Register the Death

‍Choose Your Access Method: You can use the Tell Us Once service online, over the phone, or with in-person support at the registration office

Provide the Necessary Information: You’ll need the deceased’s personal details, including:

• • National Insurance number
  • Passport number
  • Driving license number
  • Details of benefits, pensions, or local services they used

The information you provide is handled securely and only shared with the necessary departments

‍Why Tell Us Once?

‍The service offers several benefits to those managing the aftermath of a death:

• Saves Time: One notification reaches multiple agencies, eliminating the need to contact each one separately
• Reduces Stress: Simplifies a complex process during a difficult time
• Prevents Errors: Ensures that updates are made across all relevant records, avoiding complications like continued correspondence addressed to the deceased
• Free and Optional: The service is entirely free, and you can opt in based on your preferences

‍Accessing the service

To use the Tell Us Once service or learn more, you can visit the official government website. This site provides detailed guidance on registering a death and using Tell Us Once

The Tell Us Once service is a thoughtful initiative designed to reduce the administrative burden following a bereavement. By notifying multiple government departments and local services on your behalf, it helps streamline the process, giving you more time and space to focus on grieving and healing.