Phone Directory: Every Number You Need
45 phone numbers in one place, organised by category. Each entry includes the number to call, what to say, and what documents to have ready. All numbers have been verified as bereavement or general contact lines.
Most of these numbers are free to call from landlines and mobiles. Numbers starting with 0345 and 0333 are charged at the same rate as a standard local call and are usually included in your phone plan.
Before you start making calls
- •Have these ready: death certificate (or reference number), the deceased's account numbers, your own ID, and your relationship to the deceased.
- •Calls tend to be quicker earlier in the morning. Try ringing between 8am and 10am if you can.
- •Bereavement teams are specially trained and understand this is difficult. They will be patient with you.
- •You can ask someone else to call on your behalf. Most organisations will accept this with a letter of authority.
- •Keep a notebook by the phone. Write down who you called, the date, the name of the person you spoke to, and any reference numbers they give you.
- •You do not have to make all these calls in one day. Spread them out and take breaks when you need to.
Banks and Building Societies
Barclays Bereavement
0800 151 0023Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to notify you of the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and they passed away on [date]. Their account number is [number]. I have the death certificate reference number if you need it.”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate or reference number
- •Account number and sort code
- •Your relationship to the deceased
- •Your own ID (name, address, date of birth)
HSBC Bereavement
0800 092 1406Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm. Sat, 9am to 1pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. I am their [relationship]. Could you tell me what I need to do next?”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account number or sort code
- •Your ID and proof of relationship
- •Grant of Probate (if available)
Lloyds Bereavement
0345 302 1044Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 2pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report a death. The account holder was [name] and they passed away on [date]. Their account number is [number]. I am their [relationship].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account details
- •Your ID
- •Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (may not be needed for small amounts)
NatWest Bereavement
0800 085 0960Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat and Sun, 9am to 4pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to let you know that an account holder has passed away. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. I am the [executor/next of kin]. Could you walk me through what happens next?”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account number
- •Your ID
- •Will or Grant of Probate (if available)
Santander Bereavement
0800 085 8375Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am notifying you of the death of an account holder. Their name was [name], date of death [date], and their account number is [number].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account details
- •Your ID and relationship to the deceased
Nationwide Bereavement
0800 464 3139Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 1pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and they passed away on [date]. I am their [relationship].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Membership or account number
- •Your ID
Halifax Bereavement
0345 302 1044Same line as Lloyds (part of the same group).
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 2pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of an account holder at Halifax. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. Their account number is [number].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account details
- •Your ID
TSB Bereavement
0345 975 8758Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to notify you of a bereavement. The account holder was [name] and they passed away on [date]. I am the [executor/next of kin].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account number
- •Your ID
Co-operative Bank
0345 721 2212Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling because an account holder has died. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. Could you tell me what I need to do?”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account details
- •Your ID and relationship
No bereavement phone line. Contact through the app (if you have access) or email bereavement@monzo.com.
Hours: Email responses typically within 2 working days.
What to say when they answer
“Not applicable (email only). Include the account holder's name, date of death, your name, your relationship to them, and a photo or scan of the death certificate.”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate (scan or photo)
- •Account holder's name and date of birth
- •Your name and relationship
Starling Bank
0207 930 4450Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:30am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and they passed away on [date]. I am their [relationship].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account holder's details
- •Your ID
Virgin Money Bereavement
0800 121 7365Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to notify you of the death of an account holder. Their name was [name], date of death [date], account number [number].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Account details
- •Your ID
Government
Tell Us Once
0800 085 7308Notifies multiple government departments in one go. You will need the reference number given to you by the registrar.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 9am to 4pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I would like to use the Tell Us Once service to report a death. My reference number is [reference from registrar]. The person who died was [name] and they passed away on [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Tell Us Once reference number (from the registrar)
- •National Insurance number of the deceased
- •Driving licence and passport numbers (if known)
- •Details of benefits they were receiving
Register a Death (local registrar)
You register a death at your local register office. Find yours at gov.uk/register-offices.
Hours: Varies by area. Most offices are Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm. Some offer Saturday appointments.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to register a death. The person who died was [name] and they passed away on [date] at [location]. I am their [relationship]. Could I book an appointment, please?”
Have ready before you call
- •Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (from the doctor or hospital)
- •NHS medical card of the deceased (if available)
- •Birth and marriage certificates (if available)
- •Your own ID
HMRC Bereavement
0300 200 3300If you used Tell Us Once, HMRC will already know. Only call if you did not use Tell Us Once, or if you have specific tax queries.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling about someone who has died. Their name was [name] and their National Insurance number was [NI number]. The date of death was [date]. I am the [executor/next of kin]. Could you tell me if there is any tax owed or any refund due?”
Have ready before you call
- •National Insurance number
- •Date of death
- •Unique Taxpayer Reference (if self-employed)
- •Your own details as executor or next of kin
DWP Bereavement
0800 731 0469Report the death and ask about Bereavement Support Payment (if the deceased's spouse/civil partner is under State Pension age).
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of [name] who was receiving [benefit name]. Their National Insurance number was [NI number]. The date of death was [date]. I would also like to ask about Bereavement Support Payment.”
Have ready before you call
- •National Insurance number of the deceased
- •Date of death
- •Details of any benefits being received
- •Your National Insurance number (if claiming Bereavement Support Payment)
DVLA
0300 790 6801Tell Us Once cancels the driving licence, but you still need to deal with vehicle registration separately.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 7pm. Sat, 8am to 2pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report the death of a registered vehicle keeper. Their name was [name] and the vehicle registration is [reg number]. I would like to [transfer/SORN/sell] the vehicle.”
Have ready before you call
- •V5C log book (vehicle registration document)
- •Death certificate
- •Driving licence number (if cancelling the licence)
Passport Office
0300 222 0000Tell Us Once will cancel the passport. Only call if Tell Us Once was not used.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat and Sun, 9am to 5:30pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to cancel the passport of someone who has died. Their name was [name], passport number [number], and the date of death was [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Passport number
- •Date of death
- •Death certificate
Veterans UK
0808 191 4218For Armed Forces pensions and compensation. Free to call.
Hours: Mon to Thu, 7:30am to 6:30pm. Fri, 7:30am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of a veteran. Their name was [name] and their service number was [number]. They passed away on [date]. I would like to ask about any pension or benefits due to the estate or surviving family.”
Have ready before you call
- •Service number
- •Date of death
- •Death certificate
- •Your relationship to the deceased
Making these calls can be emotionally exhausting. You do not have to do them all at once. If you need someone to talk to, call Cruse Bereavement Support free on 0808 808 1677, or the Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours).
Utility Companies
British Gas
0333 202 9802Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to let you know that the account holder at [address] has died. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. The account number is [number]. I would like to [transfer the account to a new name / close the account and get a final bill].”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Address where the supply is provided
- •Final meter readings (if possible)
- •Your details for the new account or final bill
EDF Energy
0333 200 5100Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am reporting the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and the account is at [address]. The date of death was [date]. I have meter readings if you need them.”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Meter readings
- •Your contact details
E.ON
0345 052 0000Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 8am to 4pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report that the account holder at [address] has passed away. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. Could you help me with next steps for the account?”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Meter readings
Scottish Power
0800 027 0072Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling because the account holder has died. Their name was [name], the account is at [address], and the date of death was [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Meter readings
Octopus Energy
0808 164 1088Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am contacting you about the account at [address]. The account holder, [name], has passed away on [date]. I would like to arrange to [transfer/close] the account.”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Meter readings
For landline, broadband, and BT TV.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 9pm. Sat, 8am to 8pm. Sun, 9am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report the death of an account holder. Their name was [name] and the account is at [address]. The date of death was [date]. I would like to [transfer/cancel] the account.”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Death certificate (may be requested)
Hours: Mon to Sun, 8am to 9pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling because a Sky customer has died. Their name was [name] and the account is at [address]. I need to [cancel/transfer] the subscription.”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number or postcode
- •Account holder's name
- •Date of death
Virgin Media
0345 454 1111Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 9pm. Sat, 8am to 8pm. Sun, 9am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report the death of a customer. Their name was [name] and the account is at [address]. The date of death was [date]. I would like to cancel the account.”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Death certificate (may be requested)
Thames Water
0800 980 8800Your water company will vary by area. Check your bill for the right number.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 8am to 1pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to let you know that the account holder at [address] has died. Their name was [name] and the date of death was [date]. Could you transfer the account or send a final bill?”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
- •Meter reading (if metered)
United Utilities
0345 672 3723Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am reporting the death of the account holder at [address]. Their name was [name] and they passed away on [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Account number
- •Property address
Insurance and Pensions
Aviva
0800 068 6800Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling about the death of a policyholder. Their name was [name] and the policy number is [number]. The date of death was [date]. I am the [beneficiary/executor]. Could you tell me how to make a claim?”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy number
- •Death certificate
- •Cause of death (for life insurance claims)
- •Your ID and proof of relationship
Legal and General
0370 050 0955Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report the death of a policyholder. Their name was [name], policy number [number], and the date of death was [date]. I would like to start a claim.”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy number
- •Death certificate
- •Grant of Probate (if required)
- •Your ID
Prudential
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am reporting the death of [name] who held a policy with you. The policy number is [number] and the date of death was [date]. I am the [executor/beneficiary].”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy number
- •Death certificate
- •Your ID
Royal London
0345 605 0960Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5:30pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to report a death and make a claim. The policyholder was [name], policy number [number], date of death [date]. I am the [executor/beneficiary].”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy number
- •Death certificate
- •Your ID and relationship
Standard Life
0345 278 5476Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of [name] who had a pension or policy with you. The reference number is [number]. They passed away on [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy or pension reference number
- •Death certificate
- •Your ID
Scottish Widows
0345 769 7600Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am notifying you of the death of a customer. Their name was [name] and the policy number is [number]. The date of death was [date]. Could you tell me how to proceed with a claim?”
Have ready before you call
- •Policy number
- •Death certificate
- •Your details
State Pension
0800 731 0469Same number as DWP Bereavement. If you used Tell Us Once, the State Pension will already be stopped.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of a State Pension recipient. Their name was [name] and their National Insurance number was [NI number]. The date of death was [date]. I would also like to ask about any arrears or Bereavement Support Payment.”
Have ready before you call
- •National Insurance number
- •Date of death
- •Your National Insurance number (if a surviving spouse/civil partner)
Other Important Numbers
Royal Mail Post Redirect
0345 774 0740Redirect the deceased person's post to your address to catch bills, letters, and financial correspondence you may not know about.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm. Sat, 8am to 1pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to set up a post redirect from [deceased's address] to [your address] following a bereavement. The person who died was [name].”
Have ready before you call
- •Death certificate
- •Your ID
- •The deceased's full address
- •Payment (from around £35 for 3 months)
Land Registry
0300 006 0411To update property ownership records after probate.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to update the ownership records for a property following a death. The property address is [address] and the title number is [title number, if known]. The registered owner was [name] and they passed away on [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Property title number (check title deeds)
- •Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- •Death certificate
- •Completed form (usually AP1 and AS1 or AS3)
NS&I (Premium Bonds)
0800 500 000Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm. Sat, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am calling to report the death of a Premium Bonds holder. Their name was [name] and their holder's number is [number]. The date of death was [date]. I am the [executor/next of kin].”
Have ready before you call
- •Holder's number (on bond certificates or annual statements)
- •Death certificate
- •Grant of Probate (for values over the small estates limit)
Student Loans Company
0300 100 0611Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I am reporting the death of a student loan borrower. Their name was [name] and their Customer Reference Number is [number]. They passed away on [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Customer Reference Number
- •Death certificate
- •Your relationship to the deceased
TV Licensing
0300 790 6165Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6:30pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to cancel a TV licence due to a bereavement. The licence was at [address] in the name of [name]. The date of death was [date]. I would also like to request a refund for any remaining full months.”
Have ready before you call
- •TV licence number (if known)
- •Address
- •Date of death
Electoral Register
Contact your local council. If you used Tell Us Once, this should be done automatically.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm (council offices).
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to remove someone from the electoral register following a death. Their name was [name] and they lived at [address]. The date of death was [date].”
Have ready before you call
- •Name and address of the deceased
- •Date of death
Credit Reference Agencies
Experian
0344 481 0800Register a deceased marker to prevent identity fraud.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 7pm. Sat, 9am to 5pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I would like to register a deceased marker on someone's credit file to prevent identity fraud. Their name was [name], date of birth [DOB], and date of death [date]. Their last address was [address].”
Have ready before you call
- •Full name of the deceased
- •Date of birth and date of death
- •Last known address
- •Death certificate (may be requested)
Equifax
0333 321 4043Register a deceased marker to prevent identity fraud.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I need to add a deceased marker to a credit file. The person was [name], date of birth [DOB], date of death [date], last address [address].”
Have ready before you call
- •Full name of the deceased
- •Date of birth and date of death
- •Last known address
TransUnion
0330 024 7574Register a deceased marker to prevent identity fraud.
Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm.
What to say when they answer
“Hello, I would like to add a deceased marker to prevent fraud. The person was [name], born [DOB], died [date], last address [address].”
Have ready before you call
- •Full name of the deceased
- •Date of birth and date of death
- •Last known address
Need more help with what to say?
We have written detailed, word-for-word call scripts for every type of call. Each script covers exactly what to say, what questions they will ask, and what to do if you do not have the information they need.
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