After Death Admin

The 'after death admin' can be a challenging time for the bereaved. There are many websites with helpful information including Service NSW and Services Australia.
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Death Certificate
Commonly, the funeral director applies for the Death Certificate within 7 days after the burial or cremation however, next-of- kin, the executor or solicitor for the executor may also apply. To apply, you will need personal information about the person who has died including details about their:
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birth, death and burial
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family members and
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home address and occupation
The Death Certificate is usually required prior to notifying relevant organisations and government departments.
​Notifying Organisations
It's important to notify all appropriate people, organisations and government departments. Highlands has a checklist to support you with this process.
The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) provides people with a single online location to notify a number of organisations that someone has died. The ADNS may notify the deceased's bank - accounts and cards can be stopped to prevent further transactions, including existing recurring payments and direct debits. It is important to also follow up directly with the relevant banks/financial institutions.
The ADNS has a list of participating organisations but does not notify all organisations automatically so it may be useful to use our checklist as a tool to help get you started.
​What Information Do I Need?
There can be a lot of details required during the administration process following a death. It can be beneficial to look through a variety of sources to gather more information during this time, including:
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wallets can contain cards, licences and memberships for organisations and government services
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mail can contain things such as phone and internet bills, utility bills, investments, bank statements and council rates
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email can contain account memberships and subscriptions, online statements, superannuation and correspondence from organisations
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paperwork can contain information such as insurance policies, pet registration and identification documents
If relevant, also consider social media, cloud storage accounts, email accounts, computer and phone access codes and online processing accounts like PayPal and whether you are able to access to and if desired, have the ability to close these accounts.
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Useful Tools and Links
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Legal Aid NSW provides a checklist of forms to help you get started
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Services Australia provides assistance in a variety of areas including how to prepare for a death, what to do when someone dies, who to notify, social work services and financial support
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Notify Services Australia (who will notify Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support)
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Notify the Australian Tax Office of a death