What to do when someone dies

Practical guidance and support after a bereavement

Losing someone you love can be incredibly difficult, and knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming.

There may be practical things that need to be arranged, from registering a death and organising a funeral to managing finances and letting organisations know. You don’t need to do everything at once - take things one step at a time.

At Tenovus Cancer Care, we’re here to provide information, support and a listening ear for anyone affected by cancer, including those who have been bereaved.

What needs to happen after someone dies?

Everyone’s circumstances are different, and the steps you need to take will depend on your situation. You may need to:

Register the death
A death must usually be registered within the required timeframe. The process varies depending on where the person died and where you live.

You’ll receive a death certificate, which you may need when dealing with banks, employers, insurers and other organisations.

Arrange a funeral
Planning a funeral can feel like a lot to manage while you’re grieving.

You may need to think about:
- Choosing a funeral director
- Deciding on the type of funeral
- Understanding funeral costs
- Sharing arrangements with family and friends

Some people choose to make funeral plans in advance, while others make arrangements when the time comes.

Let organisations know
After someone dies, you may need to contact a number of organisations to update them.

This could include:
- Banks and financial providers
- Employers or pension providers
- Insurance companies
- Government services
- Utility providers

A service such as Tell Us Once may help you notify government departments and local services in one go.

Managing finances and practical matters
There may be financial and legal matters to deal with after someone dies, including:
- Checking whether there is a Will
- Managing bills and accounts
- Understanding inheritance and probate
- Applying for any financial support that may be available

Our Benefits Advice Team can help you understand practical and financial support that may be available.

Looking after yourself too

Grief affects everyone differently. You may feel sadness, anger, relief, confusion or many different emotions at once.

Try to give yourself time and ask for support when you need it. You don’t have to manage everything alone.

Our Support Line is available for people affected by cancer, including family members, carers and people who have been bereaved.

Call us for free on 0808 808 1010

If you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, you can also access emotional support through The Counselling Directory 

Some people also find comfort and connection through our Sing with Us choirs, which bring together people affected by cancer to sing, share experiences and support one another.