After a death, surviving family members and executors must notify a wide range of organisations — banks, building societies, insurance companies, pension providers, HMRC, utility providers, subscription services, and more. Each requires formal written notification to close accounts, transfer assets, claim benefits, or settle outstanding matters. Having a well-structured letter for each makes the process significantly less burdensome during a difficult time.

Tell Us Once is a free government service that allows you to report a death to multiple government departments in one notification, including HMRC, DWP (for benefit claims), the DVLA, and the Passport Office. Register through your local council when you register the death. However, Tell Us Once does not cover private companies, banks, or insurance providers — you will still need to contact these individually.

Most organisations will ask to see a death certificate (the original or a certified copy — order several when registering the death), and if you are an executor, a copy of the grant of probate or letters of administration once obtained. Some organisations will deal with family members or close relatives without requiring probate for smaller amounts (typically under £5,000-£10,000, depending on their policy).

There is no statutory deadline for most bereavement notifications, but regulated financial firms (banks, insurers, pension providers) are subject to FCA rules on treating customers fairly, which requires them to handle bereavement cases with sensitivity and efficiency. If a bank or insurer is being unhelpful or causing unnecessary delays, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.