Notifying Government Agencies After a Death in Ireland

After registering the death, there is a list of organisations that need to be informed. A systematic approach — and using the Life Events notification service where possible — saves time and prevents overpayments that may need to be returned. If you'd rather have a plan built around your situation, answer a few questions and we'll put one together →

The Life Events notification service

When registering the death at the Civil Registration Office, ask about the Life Events service. This allows you to notify several government bodies — including the Department of Social Protection and Revenue — through a single process, rather than contacting each one separately.

Department of Social Protection

Call 0818 927 999 or visit your local Intreo Centre. Stop any DSP payments the deceased was receiving — State Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, Jobseeker’s, or others. Payments made after the date of death must be returned. At the same time, ask about any survivor payments you may be entitled to.

Revenue Commissioners

Notify Revenue at 01 738 3600 or through ros.ie. A final income tax return must be filed for the year of death. If the estate earns income during administration, a Form 1 (Trusts and Estates) may also be required. Revenue can advise on Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) obligations for beneficiaries receiving inheritances above the relevant threshold.

HSE and medical services

Cancel the Medical Card by calling the HSE at 0818 22 44 78 or via hse.ie. Notify the GP surgery to cancel appointments. Return any medical equipment — walking aids, home oxygen, or other HSE-supplied items — to the supplying service.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing

Return the driving licence to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) if you have it. Notify the motor insurer to cancel vehicle insurance, and cancel vehicle tax through the local authority motor tax office.

Banks and financial institutions

Notify each bank, building society, credit union, and investment or pension provider. Accounts are typically frozen on notification until the estate executor presents probate documentation. Do not close accounts before speaking to the executor or a solicitor.

Utilities and subscriptions

Cancel or transfer gas, electricity, broadband, and phone contracts. Cancel digital subscriptions and memberships. Most providers have bereavement teams and will deal with you sensitively — you will typically need a death certificate.

Electoral register

Notify your local authority to remove the deceased from the electoral register. In some areas this happens automatically on death registration, but it is worth confirming.

An Post

Apply to redirect or hold mail. This is useful during estate administration to ensure no correspondence is missed. Contact your local post office or visit anpost.com.