Do I have to use Tell Us Once?
No. It is optional. If you prefer, you can contact each organisation individually. Tell Us Once is free and covers most of the government organisations you would otherwise need to contact separately.
Complete Guide to Tell Us Once | ProbateHelp
How to use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments with a single notification.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Notifications guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 8 min.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 28-day deadline?
The registrar gives you a unique reference number when you register the death. You must use that reference number to complete Tell Us Once within 28 days. If you miss the deadline, the reference number expires and you will need to contact each organisation individually. It is worth doing Tell Us Once as soon as possible after the registration appointment.
Can I use Tell Us Once if the death is with the coroner?
Yes, in some circumstances. If you cannot register the death because an inquest is underway, GOV.UK says you can ask a registrar for a unique reference number, but you will need an interim death certificate from the coroner first.
Can I use Tell Us Once if a child or baby has died?
Yes, GOV.UK says Tell Us Once can be used if a child or baby has died. If you get benefits because you are their parent or carer, you must tell DWP separately as well.
What happens to the benefits that were being paid?
DWP and HMRC will stop benefits, tax credits and relevant entitlements after notification, then contact you if they need to deal with overpayments, underpayments, outstanding tax or refunds. If the deceased was owed money, HMRC will contact the executor or administrator about the estate.
Will Tell Us Once notify the pension provider automatically?
Only for public sector pension schemes — NHS Pensions, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Schemes, the Scottish Public Pension Agency schemes, and the Pension Protection Fund. Private workplace pensions and personal pensions are not covered. You will need to contact those providers directly.
Can someone else use Tell Us Once on my behalf?
Yes. If you are not able to use the service yourself, someone else can use it on your behalf — a family member, friend, or solicitor. They will need the reference number from the registrar and the details of the person who died. You should give your permission before they proceed, as they will be sharing your personal details (if you are a surviving spouse or civil partner) as part of the process.
What if the person died abroad?
You can use Tell Us Once if the person was living in England, Scotland, or Wales and died abroad temporarily — for example on a holiday or business trip. You cannot use it if they were living abroad permanently when they died. In that case, you will need to contact each UK government organisation separately.
Does Tell Us Once deal with the estate?
No. Tell Us Once only notifies government organisations of the death. It does not deal with the estate, probate, or distributing assets. Those are separate processes. Once Tell Us Once is done, you still need to deal with banks, insurers, private pensions, property, and everything else.