Last month, a new Death Notification Service was launched; providing grieving families with a straightforward way to notify participating banks and building societies of the death of a family member, friend or care home resident.
The service makes it possible to complete a single form online or make one phone call to let financial institutions know that a loved one has died, rather than making multiple calls to banks at what can be an emotionally-charged and distressing time.
The online Death Notification Service is:
“Similar to the Government service whereby when someone registers a death at the register office, the local authority can cancel the deceased’s passport, driving licence, National Insurance number, state benefits and disabled Blue Badge by filling in just one form.
The Death Notification Service will provide the same one-stop service convenience but will focus on notification to financial institutions, so multiple current and savings accounts can be closed in one go.”
The service is run by Equiniti and many major financial institutions are onboard with the new service: Barclays, HSBC – including First Direct, Lloyds Banking Group – including Halifax, Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland Group – NatWest and Santander, with smaller banks, building societies, and insurance companies to follow eventually.
In order to use the service the notifier will need the following details of the person who died:
- Full Name
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Last address
- Death Certificate number (if known)
The following information is helpful so that the financial institutions can quickly confirm whether they hold open accounts for the deceased, but is not mandatory.
- Account details for the organisation you want to notify these can include
- Bank account number and sort code
- Building Society account number
- Confirmation that a credit card was held
The notifier will also be asked to provide details about themselves for identification purposes. The details asked for are:
- Full Name
- Address
- Date of Birth
When notifying, you will not be required to provide proof of death but may be required to do so at a later date. The requirement to provide proof will be dependent on the Financial Institutions’ own processes.
The notified organisations will then update their records and advise you of the next steps. You can expect to receive communication from individual firms within 10 calendar days from the date of the notification.
For more information on the new service, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.deathnotificationservice.co.uk.
This is the same website you will need to use to make your notification. Alternatively, you can all 0333 207 6574 – phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm.
Note: The Death Notification Service is a separate, independent service and is not linked to or is a replacement for Tell Us Once which is a service that lets you report a death to government organisations only. Further information of the government service can be found here.
We’re here to help…
If you need help with any arrangements following the death of a loved one, including Inheritance Tax, property sale, pensions, shares, unpaid bills, business interests or claims against the estate, contact one of our Wills & Probate specialists today.