What to Do When Someone Dies
A clear, step-by-step guide for the first hours and days after a death.
Immediate steps (first 24 hours)
When someone dies, you may feel overwhelmed. Here's what needs to happen first:
1. Confirm the death
- If at home: Call the person's GP or, outside surgery hours, call an out-of-hours doctor service
- If in hospital: Hospital staff will confirm the death and guide you through next steps
- If in a nursing home: Staff will call a doctor to certify the death
A doctor must issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (Death Notification Form) before anything else can proceed.
2. Contact a funeral director
Once the death has been certified, call us at any time - day or night. We'll:
- Come to collect your loved one (from home, hospital, or nursing home)
- Take them into our care at one of our funeral homes
- Explain what happens next and when we can meet to make arrangements
You don't need to have everything figured out when you call. We'll guide you through the process.
3. Inform close family and friends
Let immediate family members know as soon as you feel able. Close friends and others can be told over the following days.
Register the death
Deaths must be registered within 3 months, you will need a death certificate to deal with various institutions such as Banks, Insurance Companies etc.
Meet with your funeral director
Within a few days of the death, sit down with your funeral director to plan the funeral. This meeting usually covers:
- Burial or cremation?
- Which cemetery or crematorium?
- Church service or non-religious ceremony?
- Date and time preferences
- The coffin
- Flowers and music
- Death notice wording
- Costs and payment
This meeting typically takes about an hour. Bring any specific wishes or requests the deceased had.
Notify employers, banks, and authorities
You'll need to inform:
- The deceased's employer (if they were working)
- Banks and building societies (accounts will be frozen until probate)
- Department of Social Protection (to stop pensions/benefits and claim bereavement grants)
- Insurance companies (life insurance, health insurance, home insurance)
- Utilities and services (phone, broadband, TV license)
- Pension providers
Your funeral director can provide a checklist of who to contact.
After the funeral
Bereavement grants
You may be entitled to:
- Widowed Parent Grant or Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant
- Check eligibility at gov.ie or ask us for guidance
Probate and estates
If the deceased owned property, had savings, or left a will, you'll need to apply for probate. Consider consulting a solicitor who specializes in probate.
Ongoing support
Grief doesn't end after the funeral. If you're struggling, consider:
- Talking to your GP
- Contacting a bereavement support organization (we can provide contact details)
- Reaching out to friends, family, or your faith community
Common questions
Do I need to view the body? No, it's entirely your choice. Some people find it helps with accepting the death; others prefer to remember the person as they were.
Can children attend the funeral? Yes, if they wish to. It can help them understand what's happened and say goodbye.
What if there's no money for a funeral? Speak to us. There are options, including basic funerals at lower cost and support from the Department of Social Protection.
What if I disagree with family members about the funeral? The legal next of kin usually has the final say. We can help mediate if there are disagreements.
Contact us anytime
If you're facing a bereavement and need guidance, call us at any time. We're here to help, whether you have a specific question or need full support with arrangements.