When a loved one passes away, there are numerous administrative tasks that need to be handled during an already emotionally challenging time. One of the most helpful services available to bereaved families in the UK is the Tell Us Once service. At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand the importance of easing the burden on families during the funeral planning process, and we’re here to guide you through using this invaluable service.

What is Tell Us Once?

Tell Us Once is a free government service that allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go. This saves you the time and emotional stress of contacting multiple departments separately during a difficult period. The service is available in most areas of England, Wales, and Scotland, though it’s not currently offered in Northern Ireland.

How Tell Us Once Works

When you register the death with your local register office, you’ll be given the option to use the Tell Us Once service. If you choose to use it, you’ll be provided with a unique reference number. You can then use this number to access the service online or by phone within 28 days of receiving it.

The Tell Us Once service will notify the following organisations:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Passport Office
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• Local Council
• Veterans UK (if applicable)

Information You’ll Need to Provide

To use the Tell Us Once service effectively, you’ll need to gather certain information about the deceased. This includes:

• Their National Insurance number
• Their date of birth
• Their date of death
• Their most recent address
• Any benefits or state pension they were receiving
• Their passport number and town of birth
• Their driving licence number
• Details of any local council services they were receiving
• The name and address of their next of kin
• The name and address of any surviving spouse or civil partner
• The name, address and contact details of the person or company dealing with their estate (the ‘executor’ or ‘administrator’)

You’ll also need to have the death certificate or the reference number given to you when you registered the death.

Using Tell Us Once Online

To use the service online:

• Visit the official Tell Us Once website
• Enter the reference number you were given when you registered the death
• Answer the questions about the deceased person
• Review the organisations that will be notified
• Confirm that the information you’ve provided is correct

Using Tell Us Once by Phone

If you prefer to use the service by phone:

• Call 0800 085 7308 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
• Have your reference number ready

The advisor will guide you through the process and ask for the necessary information

Benefits of Using Tell Us Once

Using the Tell Us Once service offers several advantages:

• Time-saving: You only need to provide information once, rather than contacting multiple organisations separately.
• Stress reduction: It simplifies the administrative process during an emotionally challenging time.
• Comprehensive: It covers most government organisations in one go.
• Prevents overpayments: It helps stop payments that should cease upon death, avoiding potential complications later.

What Tell Us Once Doesn’t Cover

While Tell Us Once is comprehensive, it doesn’t cover everything. You’ll still need to notify:

• Banks and building societies
• Credit card companies
• Insurance companies
• Pension providers (unless it’s a state pension)
• Utility companies
• GP and other healthcare providers

At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we can provide guidance on handling these additional notifications as part of our comprehensive funeral planning services.

Consent and Privacy Considerations

It’s important to note that you’ll need the permission of any surviving relatives, executors, or administrators before providing their details to Tell Us Once. The service takes data protection seriously and will only share information with the organisations you agree to.

When Tell Us Once May Not Be Suitable

While Tell Us Once is beneficial for most, there are situations where it may not be appropriate:

If the death occurred outside the UK

If you’re registering the death more than 28 days after it occurred
If you don’t have all the necessary information about the deceased
If there are complications with the estate that require individual handling of each organisation

In these cases, you may need to contact organisations individually. Our team at Joseph A. Hey & Son Ltd can provide advice on how to proceed in these situations.

How Joseph A. Hey & Son Can Help

At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we understand that dealing with administrative tasks can be overwhelming during the grieving process. As part of our funeral ceremony services, we offer guidance and support in using the Tell Us Once service. Our experienced funeral directors can:

• Explain the Tell Us Once process in detail
• Help you gather the necessary information
• Assist in completing the online form if needed
• Provide advice on notifying organisations not covered by Tell Us Once
• Offer emotional support throughout the process

We believe in providing comprehensive care that goes beyond the funeral service itself. Our team is committed to easing your burden during this difficult time, ensuring that all necessary administrative tasks are handled with sensitivity and efficiency.

Additional Support and Resources

While Tell Us Once covers many government organisations, there are other aspects of estate administration that you may need to handle. We can provide information and guidance on:

• Registering the death
• Applying for probate
• Dealing with the deceased’s property and possessions
• Handling financial matters such as bank accounts and investments
• Notifying utility companies and other service providers

Our team can also connect you with bereavement support services if needed, ensuring you have emotional support throughout this challenging time.

The Tell Us Once service is an invaluable tool for bereaved families, simplifying the process of notifying government organisations about a death. At Joseph A. Hey & Son, we’re committed to supporting you through every aspect of funeral planning and administration. Our experienced team can guide you through using Tell Us Once and help with any additional tasks that arise.

Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Whether you need help with Tell Us Once, understanding funeral costs, or any other aspect of funeral planning, Joseph A. Hey & Son is here to provide compassionate, professional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 01274 571021 for assistance or to discuss our range of funeral services.