What is the Tell Us Once Service?
A Practical Guide to Understanding How the Tell Us Once Service Works, Who it Notifies, and What Else You May Need to Know.
After someone dies, there are several government departments and public services that may need to be informed. The Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death once so that most relevant government organisations can update their records without you having to contact each one individually.
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For information about the broader complexities of who needs to told when someone has died, please see our main guide linked below.
What Is the Government's Tell Us Once Service?
​Tell Us Once is a free government service that lets you report a death once so that participating government departments, local councils and certain public-sector pension schemes can update their records. It reduces the need to contact each organisation separately, but you will still need to notify private organisations such as banks, utility providers and insurers yourself.
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The service is designed to make some of the administrative tasks following a death easier to manage. It can help notify organisations responsible for benefits, tax, passports and driving licences, among other things.
However, Tell Us Once does not deal with every notification required after a death. Banks, utility companies, insurers and other private organisations will generally need to be contacted separately. Understanding what the service covers, how to access it and what you need before using it can help you work through the next steps.
How Does the Tell Us Once Service Work?
Tell Us Once is a free government service available for eligible deaths in England, Scotland and Wales. It allows information about a death to be passed to participating government departments, local councils and certain public-sector pension schemes.
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The service is usually discussed when you register the death. The registrar will either complete the process with you or provide a unique reference number so you can report the death yourself online or by telephone.
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You do not have to contact each participating organisation individually. Instead, you provide the required information through Tell Us Once, and the relevant organisations are notified. The service does not replace the process of registering a death, and it does not automatically close every account or settle the person's financial affairs.
Who Can Use Tell Us Once?
You can generally use Tell Us Once if the person who died normally lived in England, Scotland or Wales. This can also apply if they died while temporarily abroad, such as during a holiday or business trip. The death must normally have been registered, or have been reported to a coroner with a final or interim death certificate available. If an inquest is taking place and the death cannot yet be registered, a registrar can explain how to access the service in these circumstances.
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Tell Us Once is not available for someone who was living in Northern Ireland when they died or who lived abroad permanently. If you are unsure whether the service applies to your circumstances, speak to the registrar or check the official government guidance before proceeding.
How Do You Use Tell Us Once?
The process usually begins when you register the death. The registrar will explain the service and tell you how to use it.
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There are two main options:
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The registrar completes the notification with you: You provide the necessary information during the registration process.
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You complete it yourself: The registrar gives you a unique reference number, which you can use to access the service online or by telephone.
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If you receive a reference number, you must use it within 28 days. If you miss this period, contact the relevant registration service for guidance on what to do next. You can access the official service through the link below.
What Information Do You Need?
Having the relevant details ready can make the process easier. The information required will depend on the person's circumstances and the organisations that need to be notified.
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You may need:
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The unique Tell Us Once reference number provided by the registrar.
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The person's full name, address and date of birth.
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Their National Insurance number, where available.
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Details of any State Pension, benefits or other relevant payments they received.
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Information about any relevant public-sector or Armed Forces pension.
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Their passport, driving licence or Blue Badge details, if applicable.
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You do not necessarily need every item on this list. The service will guide you through the information required for the circumstances you report.You may also need permission before providing certain information about a surviving spouse or civil partner, next of kin, executor, administrator or someone who shared benefits or entitlements with the person who died. Follow the instructions given by the service.
Which Organisations Does Tell Us Once Notify?
Tell Us Once can pass information to a range of government departments and participating public-sector organisations. These include:
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): To deal with personal tax and update records relating to certain benefits and tax credits.
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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): To update or stop relevant benefits and entitlements, including the State Pension.
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The Passport Office: To cancel a British passport.
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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): To cancel a driving licence and update relevant vehicle records.
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The local council: To update certain records relating to Council Tax, housing services, benefits, Blue Badges and the electoral register.
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Certain public-sector pension schemes: To update records and stop future pension payments where applicable.
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Veterans UK: To update or stop relevant Armed Forces compensation payments.
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Social Security Scotland: To update relevant Scottish benefits and entitlements.
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The organisations contacted will depend on the person's circumstances. Tell Us Once does not necessarily apply to every service listed, and some matters may require further contact or information. After the notification, HMRC or DWP may contact you directly about tax, benefits or entitlements. Keep any correspondence you receive and follow up if further information is requested.
What Does Tell Us Once Not Cover?
Although Tell Us Once can reduce the number of organisations you need to contact individually, it does not notify every organisation that may need to know about a death.
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You will generally still need to contact private organisations, including:
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Banks, building societies and mortgage providers.
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Private pension providers and insurance companies.
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Energy, water, telephone and internet providers.
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Employers and other organisations making payments to the person.
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Landlords, housing associations and property management companies.
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Subscription services, clubs and membership organisations.
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You may also need to deal with outstanding bills, cancel or transfer services, and make arrangements for the person's property and possessions. For a wider overview, read our guide to cancelling bills and services after a death. It explains which people and organisations may need to be informed and links to further advice on bank accounts, bills and services.
What Happens If You Cannot Use Tell Us Once?
If Tell Us Once is unavailable for your circumstances, you will need to contact the relevant government departments and organisations yourself. The registrar can explain what options are available and which organisations may need to be informed. The official GOV.UK guidance also provides information about reporting a death when you do not have a Tell Us Once reference number.
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It is worth keeping a record of the organisations you contact, the date you notified them and any further action they request. This can help you keep track of the process, particularly if you are also responsible for dealing with the person's estate. If you are unsure which notifications have been completed, check the information provided by the registrar and contact the relevant organisations directly.
Does Tell Us Once Deal With the Person's Estate?
No. Tell Us Once helps notify participating government organisations, but it does not administer the person's estate or manage their financial affairs. The estate may include property, savings, investments, possessions and outstanding debts. These matters may need to be dealt with by an executor named in a valid will or an administrator appointed where there is no will.
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The person responsible for administering the estate may need to contact banks and other financial providers, establish what the person owned and owed, and deal with any probate requirements before distributing assets to those entitled to inherit.
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Our guide to managing an estate after a death explains how an estate is dealt with, including the role of executors and administrators, probate and distributing assets.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
Using Tell Us Once is one part of the practical process following a death. At the same time, you may need to make decisions about the funeral and understand what arrangements need to be put in place. Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can guide you through the practical aspects of arranging the funeral. Depending on your circumstances, we can:
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Depending on the circumstances, we can:
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Discuss the available funeral options and any wishes expressed by the person who died.
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Provide an estimate and explain the costs involved.
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Arrange the service, venue, coffin, transport and other practical details.
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Liaise with the chosen cemetery, churchyard, crematorium, minister or celebrant.
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Explain the information and documentation needed for the funeral arrangements.
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Keep you informed as the arrangements progress.
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Our role is to organise the funeral and help you understand the decisions involved. We do not operate the Tell Us Once service, notify government departments on your behalf or administer the person's estate. You do not need to have every administrative matter resolved before speaking to us. If you need help understanding the funeral arrangements, we can explain the next steps and guide you through the practical decisions.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tell Us Once service free?
Yes. Tell Us Once is a free government service. You do not need to pay to report a death through it.
Do I have to use Tell Us Once?
No, but it can make the process easier by notifying participating government organisations in one go. If you do not use it, you will need to contact the relevant organisations yourself.
How long do I have to use Tell Us Once?
If the registrar gives you a unique reference number, you must use it within 28 days. If you are unsure about your deadline or have missed it, contact the registration service for advice.
Does Tell Us Once notify banks and utility companies?
No. Banks, building societies, insurers, utility companies and most other private organisations generally need to be contacted separately. You should check the requirements of each organisation and keep a record of any outstanding actions.