When a loved one dies, paperwork and practicalities are often the last things on our mind. That’s why Age Space has put together this set of simple instructions for people in Hertfordshire about who you need to contact and what you need to do next.
From obtaining the death certificate, to who you need to contact and to arranging a funeral, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know about what to do when someone passes away in Hertfordshire.
Registering a Death in Hertfordshire
If a Coroner is not involved in determining the cause of death, then it is essential that the death is registered within 5 days. The death should be registered to the Hertfordshire County Council Registrar, who can be contacted on 0300 123 4045, or by booking a death registration appointment through their online form.
For more detailed information about registering a death, you can read Age Space’s Guide to What to Do When Someone Dies.
Who can register a death?
A death in Hertfordshire can be registered by any of the following people:
- a relative of the deceased
- a person present at the death
- the occupier of the house where the death took place
- the person who is arranging the funeral
- The appointed Funeral Director
What you need to register the death
In order to register the death you will need to have a copy of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), as provided by the doctor or coroner. In most cases, the doctor or coroner will be able to send this directly to Hertfordshire County Council in-line with your decision to register the death.
You may also be asked for:
- the person’s NHS number.
- a copy of the person’s birth certificate, if possible, to send to Hertfordshire Country Council.
- the name, email and address of your funeral director.
Obtaining a Death Certificate in Hertfordshire
- The date and location that the death took place.
- The name of the person who has died.
Their standard service costs £11 per certificate and you can purchase as many certificates as you need.
You can request a death certificate from Hertfordshire County Council on their website, or by calling them on 0300 123 4045.
Organisations to Contact
Tell Us Once
Following the registration of a death, several government departments and local services need to be informed. In the past, this was a lengthy process involving a lot of paperwork, but Tell Us Once removes most of the hassle by informing all organisations at once.
Once the death is registered, the Registrar in Hertfordshire will issue you with a Tell Us Once reference number. You can then use this number to begin the process either online through the Tell Us Once page of the Department for Work and Pensions or by calling them on 0800 083 7308. You have 28 days to use this service after registering the death and receiving your unique Tell Us Once number.
Arranging a Funeral in Hertfordshire
It is common for people to enlist the support of a funeral director or directors’ service when arranging the funeral of a loved one. Funeral directors can assist with many of the practical elements of arranging a funeral, allowing you and your family to focus on the ceremony itself, rather than the practicalities of organising it.
To find a funeral directors close to where you live in Hertfordshire, you can consult the funeral directories listed below.
