Who else needs to know? Kathy Miller In the wake of bereavement, it's important that the affairs of the deceased are settled. Left unchecked, outstanding bills, benefits and credit cards can add unwelcome pressure and stress at a time when you're at your most vulnerable.

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Who should be informed of the death?

What should I send back?

You may want to put a death notice in the national press - or in the local paper that serves the area where the deceased person lived. People like to be informed that someone has died, rather than make the discovery by chance. Many bereaved relatives also find that a death notice generates a lot of letters, which can be very comforting.

• If the deceased person was receiving any benefits, you should inform the Social Security office about their death
• Council Tax Benefit/Housing Benefit office
• Inland Revenue
• Services such as gas, electricity and telephone
• Credit card companies
• Any hospital that the deceased was attending
• Their doctor
• Employer and trade union
• If the deceased was a child, you should inform their school
• Ask the Post Office to redirect the deceased person's mail
• If you're insured to drive a car under the deceased person's name, you should notify the car insurance company as you'll need to make changes

The following documents should be returned, with a note explaining the date of death:

• Order books/benefits
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Registration documents for the deceased's car (if necessary)
• Season ticket and membership cards of any clubs or associations, as a refund may be due
• Benefit/Pension books and any unused cheques/vouchers should be returned to the benefits office
• Library books and tickets
• National Insurance papers