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What to do when someone diesA calm, step-by-step guide

There is no right or wrong order. Do what you can, when you can. This list is a guide, not a test. Some things can wait longer than you think.

We've broken this into three timeframes so it feels manageable. Tick things off as you go — or simply read through and come back when you need to.

First 24 hours

Today

Right now, you don't need to do everything. Only a small number of things genuinely need to happen today — and some of those can wait a few hours. Please be gentle with yourself.

The first week

This week

This week has a few things with legal deadlines, but most tasks can be done in whatever order works for you. Don't try to fit everything into one day.

Within a month

This month

These tasks are important, but none of them need to happen in the first few days. Work through them at your own pace, and ask for help wherever you can.

Practical help while you're here

When you're ready, FuneralFair can help you compare local funeral prices and check whether you qualify for government support.

Compare funeral pricesCheck grant eligibility

Bereavement support

Cruse Bereavement Support

cruse.org.uk · Freephone 0808 808 1677

Samaritans

samaritans.org · Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Child Bereavement UK

childbereavementuk.org · For families and young people

AtALoss.org

ataloss.org · Directory of bereavement support by region