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Bereavement support

Dealing with the financial affairs of a loved one when you're grieving is never easy. There are so many things to deal with and decisions to be made - but we hope the information on this page, and the help of our Bereavement Support Team will make things a little easier.

Show the section First steps

What to do first

Here are a few steps that need to be taken shortly after a death. The hospital or GP involved may also give you advice on what to do first.

Register the death

When someone dies in England and Wales, you need to register the death at the registry office within five days (or eight days in Scotland).

It's better to go to the registry office in the area where the person died, or it might take longer to get the documents you need and this could delay the funeral. Here you'll be given the following three documents:

a certificate for burial or cremation
a certificate of registration of death
the Death Certificate, which will be a copy of the entry in the register - some organisations will ask to see the original Death Certificate, so it's a good idea to get several certified copies.

Please select one of the following links to find out how you can register the death at your local registry office:

Find your local registry office in England and Wales Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Find your local registry office in Scotland Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Arrange the funeral

Funerals can be expensive, so unless there's a prepaid funeral plan, we'd advise you check there will be enough money to pay for it before you make any arrangements.

if the deceased has accounts with first direct, we will usually be able to release money from the accounts to pay the funeral bill (providing there's enough money in the accounts). If they have accounts with other banks or financial institutions, you can approach them to help with the funeral costs
if you're claiming benefits you may be able to get help with the funeral costs. Check with your Jobcentre Plus office as soon as possible as this will make it easier to plan the funeral
if the deceased was employed, a 'death in service' payment may be available from their employer and payments may also be available from a benevolent fund or pension scheme. The employer's Human Resource department should be able to advise the next of kin or executor(s) if this is the case.

Find out if there's a Will

a Will is important as it contains the last wishes of the deceased. The executor named in the Will holds the legal responsibility of dealing with the deceased's affairs. If you can't find a Will at their home, it's a good idea to ask their solicitor, bank, or financial advisor if they're holding it for safekeeping. If so, you'll need to establish whether the Will they hold is the last known version
if someone dies without making a Will, it's known as 'dying intestate' and it becomes the responsibility of the next of kin to administer their estate, according to strict rules. You can find out more below, and the Probate Services Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] website can also help you with this
if HSBC are appointed as executors of the Will, you'll need to contact the HSBC Bereavement Support Team who will advise of the next steps.

Dealing with the estate

The personal representative(s) hold the legal responsibility of dealing with the deceased affairs and will need to:

apply for Grant of Probate and / or Letters of Administration. Grant of Probate isn't always needed - it depends on the value of the assets held with each organisation, and it's best to check with them. Letters of Administration are only needed if the person died intestate - without making a Will - and they give the holder the authority to administer the estate
value the estate
make an inventory of everything in the estate
settle any inheritance tax and other tax liabilities with HM Revenue and Customs
contact utility and insurance companies (ensure any property is insured)
collect all assets and settle any debts outstanding
sell any property or investments not needed for transfer to beneficiaries or joint owners
distribute the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will if there is one, or strict laws of intestacy Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] if there isn't.

If you're a personal representative and feel you can't deal with this yourself, you can ask a solicitor to take care of some or all of it for you. Solicitors will charge a fee for this service so make sure you understand and agree before making a decision.

Alternatively, you can deal with the administration yourself. To find out more about what is involved and how to submit a personal application visit The Probate Service website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Show the section Telling us

UK death notification service – letting first direct and other banks know at the same time

Not sure where accounts are held?

If you're not sure which banks or building societies the deceased's accounts are held, the website mylostaccount Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] can probably save you some time. It can help you track down a complete list of all the organisations that have accounts in the deceased's name.

However, if you’d like to inform first direct directly or the only bank you need to inform is first direct, you can get in touch with our Bereavement Support Team.

Getting in touch with our Bereavement Support Team

We know this is an awful time. Our Bereavement Support Team are here to guide you through the money side of things, offering help and information in a simple, straightforward and empathetic way. They will:

take you through the deceased notification process
advise all other areas of first direct about the death
make sure the information held on file is changed quickly so that our correspondence is correctly addressed (please be aware that some correspondence may already be in the post and unfortunately we can't recall them)
confirm in writing what further steps need to be taken and what other documents we need
provide a dedicated phone number for any further enquiries.

How to contact us

To notify us of a death and for all other queries, including guidance on probate, contact our Bereavement Support Team:

Telephone

From UK: 0113 276 6669

From the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and abroad: +44 113 234 5678

Text phone

From UK: 03 456 100 147

Text Relay

From abroad: +44 151 494 1260

The Bereavement Support Team are available 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 7pm Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday.

You can also notify us in person at your local HSBC branch and they'll liaise with our Bereavement Support Team. Find your local HSBC branch.

You can also write to us at:

first direct

Banking Solutions

Bereavement Support Team

40 Wakefield Road

Leeds

LS98 1FD

We'll then contact you with further information.

What we’ll need from you

We’ll talk you through exactly what we’ll need, but as a guide:

Sole Accounts

If all first direct accounts were in a sole name we’ll need:

formal confirmation of the death, such as an original or certified copy of the Death Certificate or the Coroner’s Certificate. In some cases, we may be able to get this from the General Registry Office without needing to see the certificate
one form of identification and one proof of address, if a personal representative doesn’t already bank with first direct. If you’ve already spoken to our team and have been asked to fill in an identification form, you can download it here: Executor / Personal Representative Identity Form
a fully completed Closure Form. The personal representative who signs the Closure Form takes responsibility to distribute the balance of the deceased’s accounts. If you’ve already spoken with our support team and you’re ready to fill in the Closure Form, you can download here: Closure Authority Form.

Once you’ve told us someone has died, all sole accounts will be frozen, which means:

no money can be paid into (except dividend credits) or taken out of the accounts
by law, we must cancel any Direct Debits or standing orders – including utility bills, mortgage, loan payments and home insurance.

If any of these payments need to continue, you’ll need to contact the companies directly to agree new payments from a different account.

Joint accounts

If the deceased held joint accounts with first direct we’ll need:

formal confirmation of the death, such as an original or certified copy of the Death Certificate or the Coroner’s Certificate. In some cases, we may be able to get this from the General Registry Office without needing to see the certificate
one form of identification and one proof of address, if a personal representative doesn’t already bank with first direct. If you’ve already spoken to our team and have been asked to fill in an identification form, you can download it here: Executor / Personal Representative Identity Form.

Any joint accounts will change into the name of the remaining account holder once the death has been confirmed.

Show the section Telling others

Letting everyone know

Once you've told family and friends, you should probably also let the deceased's employer and work colleagues know. You should also think about contacting any previous employers, in case there are benefits, such as pension fund payments, that may be due to the estate.

As well as telling people who are close to the person, in many cases you'll need to close down accounts, or cancel or change insurance details, subscriptions, agreements, payments or Direct Debits. Here's a non-exhaustive list of some of the organisations you may need to contact.

UK death notification service – letting other banks and first direct know at the same time

If, as well as first direct, you have other banks and building societies to inform, you may be able to use this free service to inform multiple financial organisations with one notification Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]. However, if you'd like to inform first direct directly, you can call our Bereavement Support Team. See 'Telling us'.

Organisations you might need to notify:

banks and building societies
utility companies
mortgage, pension, investment and insurance companies
credit and store card providers, card protection providers
mobile phone providers
council tax department
Post Office - to redirect mail
car insurance providers (if the person insured you under their policy, you'll usually no longer be covered to drive)
home insurance providers will have certain requirements if the property is empty
HM Revenue & Customs
share registrars
National Registration Service (if the person was a business partner)
Housing Department (if they had a council house)
Social Services (if they were receiving meals on wheels or had a home help etc.)
Jobcentre Plus office (if they were receiving benefits)
mailing/telephone preference service
community support networks
members' clubs
social networking sites.

What you might need to return:

UK Identity and Passport Service Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] - to return and cancel a passport
DVLA Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] - to return any driving licence, cancel car tax or return
travel season tickets - ask if you're entitled to a refund
benefit/pension books - to the Department of Work and Pensions Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]
TV Licence Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] - to change the name on the licence or get a refund
membership cards of clubs or associations
disability equipment
library tickets and library books
disabled car badge.

Show the section Releasing money

Funeral costs

If you want, and there's enough money in the deceased's accounts, we can send a payment for the funeral deposit or the full cost of the funeral to the funeral directors. If you'd like us to do this, please send the original funeral bill, invoice or estimate to the first direct Bereavement Support Team or take it into your local HSBC branch.

We can also reimburse a funeral bill that's already been paid by the executor, next of kin or personal representative subject to proof of payment - usually a receipt from the funeral director.

Inheritance tax

It may be possible for us to pay inheritance tax before a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration is issued, up to the value of the money held in the deceased's sole account. In order for us to release inheritance tax, the deceased's personal representative will need to provide the Bereavement Support Team with an IHT423 form from HMRC Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Show the section Other support

Be fraud aware

Sometimes, criminals may take advantage of the fact they can see you’re going through a bereavement. They might use this as an opportunity to scam people going through this difficult time because they know this is when you’re in a vulnerable position. This could include offering financial or practical support and guidance or a safe haven for money.

Remember, first direct will never ask you to move money to a safe account.

Please remain vigilant and stay up to date with the latest information on our fraud and security page.

Financial support you might be eligible for

You might be entitled to receive extra help and benefits - particularly if it's your partner who has died. The rules can be complicated but your local JobCentre Plus office or Citizens Advice Bureau will give you all the information you need.

For information and advice

The Probate Service Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

For guidance specifically on dealing with probate and inheritance tax - and a good source for downloading documents
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Gives practical advice relating to managing an estate with implications such as tax, trusts and benefits
Directgov Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Wide-ranging advice on everything from registering a death and arranging a funeral to dealing with the estate
Citizens Advice Bureau Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Free legal information and advice on a wide range of topics including what to do if a Will has not been made
The Bereavement Register Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

This service can help reduce the amount of direct mail being sent to the address of a person who's died
National Association of Funeral Directors Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

The association of independent funeral directors offering guidance on the process of arranging a funeral
Department of Work and Pensions Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Information and advice on a wide range of topics including benefits and grants available. The DWP has a number of booklets you might find useful: 'What to do after a Death in England and Wales' and 'What to do after a Death in Scotland'. You can find copies at all Registry offices, your local Citizens Advice Bureau or local Jobcentre Plus office.

For emotional support

Mind Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Provides information on bereavement Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.

If you are struggling with difficult conversations and feel that speaking about it would help, you can call Mind Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] on one of their information lines.
Age UK Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

For information and advice about dealing with bereavement when someone dies and how to cope with grief
Cruse Bereavement Care Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Gives you the opportunity to understand and cope with grief and provide support to other bereaved people
Samaritans Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

A completely confidential service available via email and telephone for anyone in any type of emotional distress
National Association of Widows Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

A supportive association for both men and women who have lost their partners
Child Bereavement Trust Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

Provides information, training and specialised support to those affected when a child or baby dies
War Widows' Association of Great Britain Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

A volunteer group aiming to improve the conditions of war widows and their dependants in Great Britain
Way Foundation Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

A national charity that supports young (under 50s) widowed men and women across the UK

Show the section Glossary

Understanding our terminology

Administrator

The person who administers an estate where there is no valid Will, or where the executor is either unable or unwilling to act. The administrator can also be referred to as the deceased's personal representative. This person is normally a family member or close friend of the deceased.

Beneficiary

Certificate of Registration of Death

Codicil

Death Certificate

Estate

Executor

Grant of Letters of Administration

This document grants the same powers as a grant of probate and is issued to the administrator when a person dies without making a Will. It can be used to show the person(s) named has the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the deceased person's assets as set out in the laws of intestacy HM Revenue and Customs website. This document isn't always required from organisations holding the assets so check if they need to see one and/or see general information at The Probate Service Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Grant of Probate

An official document confirming that the Will is valid and names the executors who are legally entitled to administer the estate. It can be used to show the person(s) named has the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the deceased's assets as set out in the Will. This document isn't always needed, so check if they need to see one and/or see general information at The Probate Service Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration (applying)

The executor(s)/next of kin can apply for a 'Grant of Probate' or 'Grant of Letters of Administration' (if needed) from a section of the court known as the Probate Registry. This will only be granted when the inheritance tax on the estate has been agreed and paid. For more information on Probate visit The Probate Service Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Grant of Representation

Inheritance Tax

Intestacy

Intestate

Legacy

Next of kin

Personal representative

Probate

Probate is an official document stating that the Will is genuine. It authorises the executor to distribute the funds as specified in the Will. It's applied for at the Probate Registry and is usually arranged through a solicitor. If the executor wants to apply for Probate without using a solicitor, they can get details from the Probate Registry. There's no fixed timescale for receipt of Probate as it depends upon the amount of assets in the deceased's estate. An original or HSBC certified copy must be sent to first direct.

Probate Registry

Probate loan

Residue

Will

A legally binding document signed by a person, which states what they would like to happen to their estate when they die. This may also contain wishes about their funeral or who they want to look after any young children they may leave behind.