When a death occurs
whether expected or not, there is an inevitable feeling of sadness and
loss experienced by the close family, often resulting in shock and emotional
stress. Certain practical steps, however, need to be taken at the early
stage - including the registering of the death. Although our fully trained
and professional staff at Bennetts are always available to offer advice,
this guide is designed to give you clear information on the processes
involved in registering a death.
What to do when a death occurs
At Home.
Whether or not the death is expected a qualified doctor (either the G.P.
or duty doctor) must, on every occasion, be contacted to attend and confirm
the death. Once a doctor has arrived and indicated that in due course
the 'cause of death' medical certificate will be able to be issued then
we can remove the deceased. Although these days most families would require
us to take the deceased to our Chapel of Rest soon after death, some may
prefer to stay with their loved one for a while. Whatever the wish, we
will of course respect them and carry out the removal whenever it is preferred.
At a Nursing or Resiedential Home.
Even though professional nursing staff are in attendance at the home,
a qualified doctor would again be required to confirm the death before
the deceased may be removed. On most occasions the duty officer would,
on the family's behalf arrange for the funeral director to remove the
deceased back to their Chapel of Rest.
Our company is fully aware of the need to be discreet and respectful at
all times when asked to remove the deceased and endeavour to be there
within an hour of receiving a call.
H M Coroners Involvement
When a death is unexpected and the cause of death is unclear, or when
the death is of a suspicious nature, an accident or industrial disease,
the doctor certifying the death is legally bound to report these circumstances
to the coroner. The coroner's involvement, in most cases, is a formality
and an examiniation would normally be made to ascertain the cause of death.
This should not delay the funeral from taking place. In circumstances
where the coroner feels the death is not due to normal causes or is a
result of an industrial disease, a formal inquest may be held. If this
is the case, you will be kept informed by the coroner of the necessary
procedures.
Who can register a death?
This would generally be:-
- Any relative of the deceased
- A person present at death
- The owner or person in charge of the home or nursing home where the death occured
- The person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director)
The procedure for registering a death is a simple interview with the registrar who will require the following information:
- Date and place of birth and death
- Full name of the deceased (including maiden name if appropriate)
- Home address of the deceased
- If ever known by any other names.
- The marital status of the deceased
- The occupation of the deceased
- If a married woman the husband's full name and occupation
If you are unsure of some of the above information the registrar will
understand and in most cases still allow you to register the death.
Registration
Once you are in posession of the 'cause of death' medical certificate
issued by either the G.P., hospital doctor or the coroner, it must be
taken, preferably with the deceased's medical card and birth certificate,
and if appropriate the marriage certificate, to the registrar in the district
in which the death occured. Details of the relevant registrar usually
appear on the envelope enclosing that certificate. However, set out below
is the address of the registrar you will be required to attend.
Appointments need to be made with most registrars now, it is
advisable to telephone before visiting.
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What Certificates are received
When registering a death you will receive the following certificates:
A GREEN form known as the certificate
for burial or cremation which should be given to the funeral director
(there is no fee). In cases where the coroner is involved and cremation
is intended or an inquest is to be held, this certificate will not be
issued. Instead a seperate certificate will be given by the coroner normally
directly to the funeral director.
A WHITE Social Security certificate (again there is no fee) will
be given on all occasions and should be sent to your local D.S.S. office
with any relevant order books.
A BUFF coloured copy of the entry
of death form (known as a death certificate). These may be obtained from
the registrar upon payment of a nominal fee and are required as proof
of the death for insurance purposes, probate, bank account, etc. Additional
copies of this certificate can always be obtained at a later date.
Cremation Certificates
When cremation is chosen there are statutory legal forms, known as cremation
certificates B, C and F that need to be completed by two medical doctors.
These forms are the responsibility of the funeral director to obtain and,
therefore, we will liase with the necessary doctors to have these completed.
D.S.S. Assistance towards the cost of a Funeral
In some circumstances where the person responsible for the funeral arrangements
is in receipt of certain benefits from the D.S.S., they may be entitled
to obtain help towards the cost of a funeral. For a claim to be processed,
a form issued by the D.S.S., an SF200 will need to be completed by the
claimant and sent, together with a copy of the funeral account, to their
local D.S.S. office.
For claimants residing in the Brentwood and Billericay area:
D.S.S. Benefits Agency
Great Oaks House
Great Oaks
Basildon
Essex
SS14 1JE
Telephone: 01268 363000