Notifying Halifax of a Death
0800 028 1057Everything you need to notify Halifax after a bereavement, including the dedicated phone number, required documents, and how long the process takes.
Online Form
Typical Timeline
Account closure may take up to 6 weeks.
How to notify Halifax
Phone: Call 0800 028 1057
Online: Complete the 8-step bereavement notification questionnaire
Branch: Book an appointment at any of 553+ branches
Death Notification Service
Documents you will need
- Death certificate or proof of death document
- Grant of Probate (if accounts exceed £50,000)
- Photo ID of executor/representative
Joint vs sole accounts
Joint accounts
Joint accounts transferred to surviving account holder. Surviving holder retains access.
Sole accounts
Accounts frozen. Standing orders and Direct Debits cancelled. Debit, savings and credit cards cancelled. Online banking removed.
What to say when you call
You do not need to prepare a detailed explanation. A brief, straightforward call is all that is needed. Here is a simple script you can follow:
"Hello, I am calling to notify you of a death. The account holder was [full name], and the date of death was [date]."
"I am their [relationship, e.g. son/daughter/executor]. My reference number from the death registration is [Tell Us Once reference number, if you have one]."
"Could you let me know what documents you need and what the next steps are?"
The bereavement team will guide you through the rest of the call. Have the death certificate, your photo ID, and any account details to hand before calling.
Additional information
- Part of Lloyds Banking Group
- Alternative probate helpline: 0800 015 0012
Frequently asked questions
How do I notify Halifax of a death?
You can notify Halifax by calling their bereavement team on 0800 028 1057, or by completing their online bereavement form. Have the death certificate and your identification ready before you make contact.
What documents does Halifax need for bereavement?
Halifax typically requires: Death certificate or proof of death document, Grant of Probate (if accounts exceed £50,000), Photo ID of executor/representative. It is a good idea to have certified copies of the death certificate ready, as originals may be retained temporarily.
How long does Halifax take to process a bereavement?
Account closure may take up to 6 weeks.
Can I access a Halifax account without probate?
Whether you can access a Halifax account without probate depends on the balance and account type. Contact their bereavement team to discuss your specific circumstances, as they may be able to release small balances without a grant.
What happens to a joint Halifax account when someone dies?
Joint accounts transferred to surviving account holder. Surviving holder retains access.
Need to write to Halifax?
Use our ready-made template letters to notify banks, utilities, and other organisations. Just fill in the details and send.
View Template Letters