Losing someone close to you is incredibly hard. If you’ve been caring for that person, the loss may feel even bigger. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief is personal, and it is okay to react in your own way and in your own time.

Grief affects everyone differently. You may feel sadness, relief, exhaustion, or even loneliness. These feelings are valid. Sometimes grief doesn’t begin until after the practical tasks—like registering the death or arranging the funeral—are done and others return to their routines.

You may also feel the loss of your supporting role and the relationships built around it. Reconnecting with others or finding new routines can take time.

Support often comes from those closest to you. If you feel able, let friends and family know how they can help. Talking about your loss and sharing memories can be comforting.

You can also speak to others who’ve experienced bereavement or ask professionals involved in the person’s support about local services. If grief is affecting your health or daily life, consider speaking to your GP or contacting:

Grief affects both emotional and physical wellbeing. Your caring role may have shaped your identity and routine, so its loss can feel overwhelming. Try to:

Taking care of yourself is not selfish — it helps you cope with the changes ahead.

A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

A post‑mortem is a medical examination to understand the cause of death. If requested by the coroner it is a legal requirement and it doesn’t require family consent. It usually takes place within 2–3 working days, and the body is released the same day.

For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.

If you know the person wished to donate their organs, tell healthcare staff as soon as possible. Visit the NHS organ donation website for guidance.

You must register the death within 5 days. Contact your local registry office:

Find out more about the registration process and what you need to take.

A funeral can help family and friends mourn and celebrate the person’s life. The date can only be set once the death is registered.

When arranging the funeral, check if the person left wishes in a will or written document. You can choose burial, cremation or other options. A funeral director can help you plan the arrangements.

For options and guidance visit the GOV.UK website.

Costs vary, so it’s helpful to compare quotes. Check whether the person had. Check if the person had a funeral plan, insurance, or savings. You may be able to recover costs from their estate.

If you pay the costs yourself, you may be able to recover them from the person’s estate later.

If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Eligibility is based on your benefits, not the person who died. You must apply within 6 months of the funeral.

Everything the person owned is called their estate. The estate can only be shared or used to pay bills once either:

Bank accounts in the person’s name will be frozen until this is completed. Joint accounts can still be used by the surviving account holder.

If you had Power of Attorney, it ends immediately when the person dies.

Tax may be due if the estate is above the government threshold, unless everything passes to a spouse or civil partner.

When you’re able, you may need to:

If you are able to use the Tell us Once service, a lot of the above will be taken care of for you.

If you were receiving Carer’s Allowance, it usually continues for 8 weeks after the person’s death.

There is a short bereavement run‑on: your award continues for the assessment period when the death happened and the two following periods.

You may be eligible if:

Payments can include a lump sum and monthly support for 18 months.

You cannot receive Bereavement Support Payment, but you may be able to inherit or increase your State Pension based on your partner’s contributions.

You can find more information about these on the GOV.UK website.

You may be able to take over the tenancy if you are:

If the property is not suitable for your needs, the council may offer alternative housing.

If the home belonged to the person who died and is left to you and siblings:

Shelter can give you more information about your housing rights.