Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with official paperwork during that time can feel overwhelming. To ease that burden, the Department for Work and Pensions has clarified how and when benefit payments such as the State Pension and Universal Credit are stopped following a death. A recent ministerial statement sheds light on the process and highlights a key government service every claimant’s family should know about.
Update
The clarification came after a parliamentary question from independent MP James McMurdock, who asked what the Government is doing to improve the speed and accuracy of death notifications across public systems. In response, DWP minister Andrew Western outlined how the Tell Us Once service works and why it plays a central role in stopping payments promptly.
Tell Us Once is a voluntary, cross-government service available through local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales. It allows bereaved families to report a death once, rather than contacting multiple departments separately.
Service
According to the minister, the aim of Tell Us Once is to provide support with fairness, compassion and dignity at a stressful time. Families can choose which government departments are informed and what information is shared.
One crucial detail for benefit payments is timing. Mr Western confirmed that once a death is reported through Tell Us Once, all partner organisations are notified by the next working day. This means steps to stop payments can begin almost immediately.
Payments
Once a death is registered using Tell Us Once, several payments and entitlements can be stopped automatically. These include benefits that would otherwise continue to be paid incorrectly.
The service notifies HMRC so that personal tax records can be updated and benefits such as Child Benefit or tax credits can be cancelled. The DWP is informed to stop payments like Universal Credit, the State Pension and other benefits.
It also alerts the Passport Office to cancel a British passport, and the DVLA to cancel a driving licence, remove the person as keeper of up to five vehicles, and end vehicle tax. Local councils are informed so they can cancel Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Blue Badges, and update electoral registers or council housing records.
Veterans UK is notified to stop or amend Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, while Social Security Scotland is informed to cancel devolved benefits such as the Scottish Child Payment.
Government guidance explains that HMRC and the DWP will contact the person dealing with the estate if further action is needed regarding tax, benefits or entitlements.
Eligibility
Tell Us Once can be used if the deceased lived in England, Scotland or Wales. It also applies if the person died while temporarily overseas, such as during a holiday or work trip.
However, the service cannot be used if the person was living in Northern Ireland at the time of death or was permanently resident abroad. In Northern Ireland, deaths should be reported through NI Direct instead.
If the deceased was permanently overseas, the death must be registered with the local authority in the country where it occurred. UK authorities can still be informed if required.
Process
When a death is registered, the registrar will explain how to use Tell Us Once. In some cases, they will complete the notification on your behalf. In others, they will provide a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself.
Families can complete Tell Us Once either online or over the phone, depending on preference. This flexibility is designed to make the process as straightforward as possible during a difficult period.
Timing
Because departments are notified by the next working day, benefit payments such as Universal Credit or the State Pension are usually stopped quickly. This helps prevent overpayments, which can later be reclaimed from the estate and add further stress for families.
While processing times can vary slightly between departments, Tell Us Once remains the fastest and most reliable way to ensure payments are ended correctly and efficiently.
Overall, the DWP’s message is clear. Using Tell Us Once ensures that benefit payments are stopped promptly, records are updated accurately, and families are spared the task of contacting multiple government bodies individually.
FAQs
When does DWP stop benefits after a death?
Usually after Tell Us Once notifies them the next working day.
Does Tell Us Once stop State Pension payments?
Yes, it informs DWP to end State Pension payments.
Can Universal Credit be stopped via Tell Us Once?
Yes, Universal Credit is cancelled through the service.
Is Tell Us Once available in Northern Ireland?
No, deaths there must be reported via NI Direct.
