The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified that when a death is reported through the Tell Us Once service, benefit payments will be stopped by the next working day. This update came from DWP minister Andrew Western in response to a parliamentary question from independent MP James McMurdock.
Tell Us Once is a voluntary service available in England, Scotland, and Wales that allows bereaved individuals to inform multiple government departments of a death. The service aims to provide a compassionate experience during a difficult time.
Once a death is reported via Tell Us Once, partner organisations including HMRC and DWP are notified by the next working day. This ensures that any benefit payments for the deceased person are stopped promptly.
The service is not available for deaths in Northern Ireland or for those living permanently abroad. In such cases, alternative procedures apply, such as contacting NI Direct or registering the death with local authorities.
When registering a death, a registrar will provide guidance on using Tell Us Once, either by completing the process in person or by giving a unique reference number for online or phone use.
