Notifying Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) of a Death
0800 085 7308Everything you need to notify Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) after a bereavement, including the dedicated phone number, required documents, and how long the process takes.
Online Form
No online form available. Use the phone number or post instead.
Typical Timeline
Immediate notification to all participating government departments.
How to notify Tell Us Once (DWP/Government)
Tell Us Once: Use the unique reference number given by the registrar when you register the death
Online: Complete via GOV.UK within 28 days of getting reference number
Phone: Call 0800 085 7308
Must be used within 28 days of receiving reference number
Documents you will need
- Tell Us Once reference number (from registrar)
- National Insurance number of the deceased
- Date of birth and date of death
- Details of benefits/services the deceased received
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
- One notification covers: HMRC, DWP, Passport Office, DVLA, council tax, electoral roll, and more
- Available in most local authority areas
- Not available in Northern Ireland
- Does not cover: banks, utilities, insurance, or private companies
Frequently asked questions
How do I notify Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) of a death?
You can notify Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) by calling their bereavement team on 0800 085 7308. Have the death certificate and your identification ready before you make contact.
What documents does Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) need for bereavement?
Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) typically requires: Tell Us Once reference number (from registrar), National Insurance number of the deceased, Date of birth and date of death, Details of benefits/services the deceased received. It is a good idea to have certified copies of the death certificate ready, as originals may be retained temporarily.
How long does Tell Us Once (DWP/Government) take to process a bereavement?
Immediate notification to all participating government departments.
Need to write to Tell Us Once (DWP/Government)?
Use our ready-made template letters to notify banks, utilities, and other organisations. Just fill in the details and send.
View Template Letters