Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, and the administrative burden that follows can feel overwhelming. Dealing with multiple government agencies is one of the last things you want to do while planning a funeral. Fortunately, the government’s Tell Us Once service significantly eases this burden.

What exactly does “Tell Us Once” cover?

Instead of making dozens of phone calls, this single service securely notifies several central government departments and local council services on your behalf. Organisations notified include:

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): To cancel state pensions and benefits.
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): To adjust personal tax records and tax credits.
• Passport Office: To cancel their British passport to prevent identity fraud.
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): To cancel their driving licence and update vehicle records.

Local Council: To cancel Housing Benefit, Council tax reductions, update the electoral register, and cancel their Blue Badge.Public Sector Pensions including NHS, Civil Service, and Armed Forces pension schemes.

Note: Tell Us Once does not contact private banks, utility companies, private pensions, or mortgage providers. You will still need to handle those independently.

Who can use the service?

You can use Tell Us Once if you are the next of kin, the executor, the administrator, or the person dealing with the deceased’s estate. You can also use it if you were claiming joint benefits with the person who has died.

How do you use it?

1. Register the death first. You must register the death with the Registrar. While registering the death, the registrar will provide you with information about Tell Us Once and issue a unique reference number.
2. Activate the service. Once you have your unique reference number, you can access the service online or by phone. You typically have up to 28 days to activate it after registering.
3. Have the right information handy. Before you begin, gather as much of the following information as possible:

Their National Insurance number
Their date of birth
Their passport or passport number
Their driving licence number
Details of any state pensions or benefits they were receiving
Details of any local council services they used, like a Blue Badge.
The name and address of their next of kin, surviving spouse, or executor of the estate.

A Helping Hand in a Difficult Time

Using the Tell Us Once service isn’t mandatory, but it is highly recommended to save time and relieve some of the administrative stress following a bereavement. It allows you to focus your time and energy on remembering your loved one, planning a fitting funeral, and being there for your family.