After a death
What to do after a death in Scotland, and where to get support.
Registering the death, telling people, the funeral and the estate, and counselling at no cost.
This page sets out what needs to happen and where to find support.
Support with grief
Grief can be physical as well as emotional: tiredness, poor sleep, trouble concentrating.
We can refer you to a counsellor at no cost, whether the death was recent or some time ago.
What needs to happen
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The medical certificate
The doctor sends the medical certificate of cause of death straight to the registrar. You won’t be given it to take in.
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Within 8 days
Register the death
With any registrar in Scotland. They give you the documents you need for the funeral.
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Tell people
Tell Us Once lets you inform most government services, such as benefits and the passport office, at the same time.
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The funeral
A funeral director can guide you through the options. Costs vary widely, so ask for a written estimate.
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The estate
Someone deals with the person’s money and belongings. If there is a will, it usually names an executor.
In the first few days
Tick each one off as you do it.
Help with the costs
A funeral can cost thousands of pounds, so ask funeral directors for a written estimate, and compare.
If you’re responsible for the funeral and you or your partner get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, you may get a Funeral Support Payment from Social Security Scotland. You can apply up to six months after the funeral.
If your husband, wife, civil partner or partner died and you’re under State Pension age, you may get a Bereavement Support Payment. Claim within three months of the death to get the full amount.
Questions people ask
- Can I register the death anywhere?
Yes. In Scotland you can register a death with any registrar, not only in the area where the person died.
- Do we need a solicitor?
Not always. It depends on the estate and whether there is a will. Citizens Advice Scotland can explain the options.
- How long does grief last?
There is no set length. You can ask us about counselling at any time, months or years after the death.
- What if the death was unexpected?
If a death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, the doctor may report it to the Procurator Fiscal, who decides whether more enquiries are needed. This can delay registration and the funeral. The police or the Fiscal’s office will explain what happens next.
- Do I have to go to the registrar in person?
Not always. Many registrars can register a death by phone or video call. Ask when you contact them.
- Who else offers bereavement support?
You can ask us about counselling at any time. Cruse Scotland’s free bereavement helpline is on 0808 802 6161, on weekdays.
Contact us
Send us a message and someone from Friends at the End will get back to you, usually within a few working days.
- Emailinfo@fate.scot
- Office0131 271 5971Our office line, not a helpline.
- PostFriends at the End, 42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ