After the big notifications are done, there is a quieter job that people often leave too long: the steady drip of utilities, subscriptions and memberships that keep billing after a death. None of them is urgent on its own. Together they add up, and every payment that goes out is money the estate has to recover later. Here is a sensible order to work through them.
Start with the essentials on the home
If someone is still living in the property, or it needs to be kept warm and insured while the estate is settled, do not simply cancel everything. Instead:
- Contact gas, electricity and water to put the account in the right name or arrange final readings.
- Tell the broadband and phone providers, transferring or ending the contract as needed.
- Keep buildings insurance in place, and tell the insurer about the death, as an empty property can affect cover.
Take meter readings on the day you take over or hand back the property, so final bills are accurate.
Then the recurring payments
Work from a recent bank or card statement, because that is where recurring payments hide. Look for:
- Streaming, music and app subscriptions.
- Gym, clubs and memberships.
- Charity direct debits and regular donations.
- Cloud storage and software.
- Insurance you can now cancel, such as travel or a second car.
Cancel or claim refunds where you can. Some services will refund the unused part of an annual payment when told about a death.
How to contact each one
Most large companies have a bereavement process. Have the death certificate details and the account reference ready. You do not always need to send an original certificate; many accept a copy or take the details over the phone. Ask each one to confirm the closure in writing, so you have a record for the estate.
Keep a simple record
Write down what you have closed, the date and any reference number. It stops you chasing the same account twice and gives the executor a clear picture. This is exactly the sort of thing FamilySafe keeps in one place, so the next person is not starting from a pile of statements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I cancel first?
Anything still charging that serves no purpose, spotted on the latest statement. Keep the essentials on the property, like insurance and heating, until the home is dealt with.
Can I get money back on annual subscriptions?
Often, yes. Many services refund the unused portion when told about a death, so it is worth asking rather than just cancelling.
Do I need the death certificate for every one?
Not always. Many companies accept a copy or take the details by phone. Ask each one what it needs.
Sources
- GOV.UK: What to do when someone dies
- Individual provider bereavement pages
Reviewed by the FamilySafe editorial team. Last reviewed: [set on publish]. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
