Buried in paperwork: Free service to help families deal with death in unprecedented times

02 June 2020

  • Co-op has launched a free bereavement service to help families deal with a late loved one’s affairs amidst the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK
  • The unique service has been created to help people close bank accounts, log off social media accounts inform the Government’s Tell Us Once Service
  • On average bereaved people are left to deal with 12 accounts on behalf of a late loved one

Co-op Legal Services has launched a Bereavement Notification and Advice Service to help people deal with a late loved one’s affairs.

Recognising the demand and unexpected loss people are facing due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the unique service will mean bereaved people can access help informing financial institutions, stopping junk mail and logging off social media.

Across the UK loved ones are left to deal with an average of 12 organisations from registering a death, using the Government’s Tell us Once service, dealing with pension providers, insurers and utility providers and corresponding with the Coroner.

Research conducted by the Co-op* showed a quarter (25%) of bereaved people found administering their loved one’s estate stressful, a sixth (15%) found it upsetting and almost a tenth (8%) had to take time off work.

In addition, there’s junk mail to stop and instructions to be sent to banks and building societies to freeze or close accounts to reduce the risk of fraud.

However, each service comes with a unique process, specific information requirements and timeframes, that most people perhaps wouldn’t be aware of unless having gone through the ordeal previously. The Co-op is hoping to relieve this added pressure on bereaved people across the country, by supporting them through the various processes by providing advice and pre-populated letters.

The service includes guidance on how to log off social media accounts, an increasingly complex process, with the average person now having between five and nine accounts, according to recent research by Co-op**.

Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal Services and Life Planning said:

“Families struggle with the sheer volume of organisations that need to be told about the death of a loved one and now Co-op can be there to help and support.

“Dealing with a late loved one’s affairs is never easy, but the current situation is making it impossible for people to grieve and come to terms with their loss. As a result, sorting out paperwork and informing banks can feel like an unbearable task. However, it’s crucial that people do take action as soon as possible, to prevent fraud and not prolong the grieving process.

Andrew Hagger - Personal Finance Expert from Moneycomms.co.uk said:

"This is a very useful time saving resource for those left to deal with the paperwork and admin after a loved one has passed away.

This type of free support will prove invaluable at such an emotional and stressful time.Having all the information in one place is a great idea and gives people some much needed help and support, especially when some may have nobody else to turn to."

Co-op’s Bereavement Notification and Advice Service: What’s included

  • Help in navigating the legal procedure with social distancing in mind
  • Help in notifying organisations that need to know about the death, like banks, building societies and pension providers
  • Stopping junk mail being sent to the deceased
  • Explaining legal jargon so it’s easier to understand, including navigating potential legal issues and the coroner and inquest process
  • Advice on closing social media accounts
  • Information on how to access the Government’s Tell us Once service and in regions where it’s not available, providing pre-populated letters to help families notify government institutions such as the DWP and DVLA about the death
  • Guidance on social security benefits which may be available following the loss of a loved one.
  • Guidance on what to consider when informing utility providers
  • Advice on car or property insurance issues to prevent issues with insurance cover
  • Explaining how to make sure empty properties are secure
  • Assist the family to understand possible carer redundancy entitlements.

To find out more about the service, visit: https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk/probate-solicitors/bereavement-notification-service/ or call 0333 060 7182

Ends For further information contact: Maya Powell Maya.Powell@coop.co.uk / 0773096851 Emily Penkett: Emily.Penkett@coop.co.uk / 07738621201 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CoopUKpress

Notes to Editors

*Co-op’s biggest ever survey into death dying and bereavement was conducted by YouGov from 7th May to 25th June 2018 among over 30,000 UK adults. Further detail on the study can be found in Co-op’s media report

****YouGov GB Research- Total sample size was 4062 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 7th January 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About the Co-op

Coop Legal Services is a leading consumer law firm with a mission help people understand and use the law to plan and protect their assets and families. This new service is completely aligned with the law firm mission as it helps people protect the assets of the deceased.

Coop Legal Services has 5 offices in Bristol, Manchester, Stratford-on-Avon, Sheffield and London, in addition to a nationwide field force of c100 people.