After a death checklist

The practical steps, in order. Tick them off as you go.

Your ticks stay on this device only. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.

A cup of tea and a sprig of lavender on a table by a bright window

If you’d like the reasons behind each step, our guide to what to do when someone dies explains them, with the official sources.

Where did the death happen?

In the first hours

If the death was unexpected, call triple zero (000).The ambulance and police will guide you from there.
If the death was expected and at home, call their doctor or palliative care team when you’re ready.It isn’t an emergency, and if they died overnight you can wait until morning. A doctor will confirm the death and issue a medical certificate of cause of death. More about this
If they died in hospital, a hospice or aged care, the staff will arrange the doctor.They’ll let you know how long they can care for the person’s body.

In the first few days

Find the will and important papers.They name the executor and may record funeral wishes.
Check whether they were an organ and tissue donor.If you’re not sure, the hospital can check the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Make sure anyone who depended on them is cared for.Children, another family member or a pet. The will may say who they hoped would help.
Contact a funeral director, if you’re having a funeral.Ask for an itemised written quote. A funeral isn’t a legal requirement in Australia. More about this
Let family and friends know.You can ask one or two people to pass the news on. More about this

Registering the death

Make sure the death is registered with the state or territory registry.If you’re having a funeral, the funeral director usually does this for you. Your state or territory registry
Get the death certificate, and have several copies certified.Services Australia suggests certified copies from a Justice of the Peace, often available at police stations and libraries. Your state or territory registry

Telling the people who need to know

Tell Services Australia within 28 days, if they received a payment.By phone, at a service centre, or with the Advice of death form (SA116). This updates Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support. More about this
Use the Australian Death Notification Service to tell several organisations at once.It’s a free government service. More about this
Work through the who to notify checklist.Banks, utilities, phone companies, the electoral commission, health providers and more. More about this
Tell the ATO, and who will manage the estate.You can phone first if you don’t have the paperwork yet, and the ATO will pause letters. More about this
Contact each super fund.The fund decides who receives the death benefit, guided by any beneficiary nomination. More about this
Look after their online accounts.Start with their main email account and phone. More about this

Money and the estate

Ask Services Australia whether any financial help is available.If they were a veteran, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs may help with the funeral. More about this
If you’re the executor, find out whether you need probate.Ask each bank and asset holder. A grant is always needed for real estate in their sole name. More about this
Check whether a final tax return is needed.The ATO calls it a date of death return. A tax agent can help. More about this

Looking after yourself

Take breaks, and let others help.Very little has to happen today. Griefline is on 1300 845 745 on weekdays, and Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any hour. More about this

Further help

Services Australia: What to do when someone dies
The government’s own guide.
myGov: How to register a death
Links to every state and territory registry.
Griefline
1300 845 745, weekdays 10am to 8pm AEST/AEDT.
Lifeline
24 hour crisis support on 13 11 14.

This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. Rules differ between states and change over time, so please check the official source for your situation.