Who to notify when someone dies

Understanding Funerals
03 June 2026 • 6 minutes

Who you may need to notify

In the days ahead, there may be a number of people you’ll need to contact to let them know about your loved one’s passing. Many families choose to do this after the funeral, once they’ve had some time to process what has happened.

Notifying family and friends can feel overwhelming, so it may help to ask a trusted family member or close friend to help share information and act as a point of contact.

There are also other organisations and services that may need to be advised, although these usually do not need to be contacted immediately, including:

    Government and public services

    Australian Electoral Office
    Australian Tax Office
    Centrelink
    Department of Veterans’ Affairs
    Medicare
    Local Government (rates and fire levy)
    Post Office (mail redirection or cancellation)

    Financial and legal departments

    Accountant
    Financial intitutions (banks, credit unions, loan providers, PayPal, etc.)
    Insurance companies (funeral, life, home, vehicle, etc.)
    Superannuation companies
    Solicitor and/or Public Trustee
    Executor nominated by the deceased

    Employment and professional services

    Employer
    Clubs, organisations and associations

    Health and medical providers

    Dentists, specialists, hospitals, chemists
    Health insurance or benefits funds

    Home and personal services

    Home care providers (nursing, cleaning, gardening)
    Delivery services
    Medical or appliance rental companies

    Utilities and telecommunications

    Electricity, gas and water providers
    Phone and internet providers

    Vehicles and transport

    Car registration
    Car lease or finance providers

    Digital accounts and subscriptions

    Email accounts
    Social media platforms

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