When someone close to you passes away, there are many practical matters that need to be taken care of at a time when you may be grieving.
One of the more difficult parts can be notifying the many organisations that need to know about the death. Banks, insurance companies, utility providers, telecommunications companies and government services may all need to be contacted.
Fortunately, there is a free Australian Government service that can make some of this process easier.
The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) allows you to notify multiple participating organisations about a person’s death through one online service.
At Michael Crawford Funerals, we understand that there is a lot to organise following the loss of a loved one. Knowing where to start can make the process feel a little more manageable.
What is the Australian Death Notification Service?
The Australian Death Notification Service is a free online service designed to help families and those managing an estate notify participating organisations when someone has died.
Instead of contacting each organisation individually, you can provide the relevant information through the ADNS and select the organisations you need to notify.
The organisations you select will then receive the notification and contact you directly about any further information or documentation they require.
The service was established through a collaboration between Australia’s Births, Deaths and Marriages registries to help simplify the administrative process following a death.
When can you use the Australian Death Notification Service?
The death must first be registered, or a death certificate must have been issued, before you can use the ADNS.
Your funeral director will generally assist with the registration process and arrange the death certificate as part of the funeral arrangements.
Once the death certificate has been issued, you can use the Australian Death Notification Service to begin notifying participating organisations.
You do not need to wait for probate before using the service.
Who can use the service?
The ADNS can be used by people who are responsible for managing the affairs of someone who has died.
This may include:
- An executor of the will
- An administrator of the estate
- A next of kin
- Another person who has been authorised to manage the deceased person’s affairs
You will need to provide information about yourself and the person who has died.
Some organisations may also require additional documentation before they can close, transfer or make changes to an account.
Which organisations can be notified?
The organisations available through the ADNS depend on which businesses and services participate in the program.
Participating organisations can include:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Telecommunications providers
- Utility providers
- Government services
- Membership organisations
- Other participating businesses and service providers
You can choose the relevant organisations when completing your notification.
It is worth remembering that the ADNS does not automatically notify every organisation that the deceased person had dealings with. You may still need to contact organisations that are not participating in the service.
How does the Australian Death Notification Service work?
Using the service is relatively straightforward.
1. Make sure the death has been registered
Before starting, make sure the death has been registered or that a death certificate has been issued.
2. Provide the required information
You will need to enter information about the person who has died, such as their name, date of birth and date of death.
You will also provide your own contact details and information about your role in managing the deceased person’s affairs.
3. Select the organisations
The service will allow you to choose the participating organisations you want to notify.
If you have account, policy or membership numbers available, it can be helpful to have them on hand.
Don’t worry if you don’t have every account number. The relevant organisation can provide further instructions once they receive the notification.
4. Submit the notification
Once you have checked the information, you can submit the notification.
The organisations you selected will then contact you directly about the next steps.
What information should you have ready?
Having some important information together before you begin can make the process easier.
You may want to have:
- The full name of the person who has died
- Their date of birth
- Their date of death
- Their last known address
- The death certificate
- Your contact details
- Your relationship to the deceased
- Your role in administering the estate
- Bank account numbers
- Insurance policy numbers
- Utility account numbers
- Membership or customer numbers
- A copy of the will, where relevant
- Probate or letters of administration, if applicable
You don’t necessarily need all of these documents to begin.
Different organisations have different requirements and may contact you after receiving the notification to request further information.
What happens after you submit a notification?
Once the notification has been submitted, the organisations you selected will receive the information.
They will then contact you directly and explain what needs to happen next.
For example, a bank may need documentation confirming who is authorised to deal with the deceased person’s accounts.
An insurance company may require additional information before processing a claim.
A utility or telecommunications provider may ask whether an account should be closed or transferred to another person.
The ADNS helps you notify these organisations, but it does not complete the account closure or transfer process on your behalf.
Each organisation will have its own requirements.
Do you need probate before notifying organisations?
No.
You can use the Australian Death Notification Service once the death certificate has been issued. You do not need to wait until probate has been granted to begin notifying participating organisations.
However, some organisations may require probate, letters of administration or other documentation before they can release funds or make certain changes to an account.
If you’re unsure about whether probate is required in your circumstances, it may be helpful to speak with a solicitor or other qualified professional who can advise you about the estate.
What else needs to be organised after a death?
The Australian Death Notification Service can help with some of the administrative work, but there are still other important matters that may need attention following a death.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Arranging the funeral
- Registering the death
- Obtaining the death certificate
- Locating the will
- Applying for probate or letters of administration
- Contacting superannuation funds
- Notifying insurers
- Managing property and utilities
- Cancelling memberships and subscriptions
- Transferring or cancelling vehicle registrations
- Managing tax and financial affairs
- Notifying government departments
- Managing digital accounts and online services
It can be helpful to keep a written list of organisations you have contacted and make a note of when each notification was made.
Is the Australian Death Notification Service free?
Yes. The Australian Death Notification Service is free to use.
There is no charge for submitting notifications through the service.
How Michael Crawford Funerals can help
At Michael Crawford Funerals, we understand that arranging a funeral is only one part of what families need to manage after someone dies.
There can be paperwork to complete, people to contact and important decisions to make, all while you’re coming to terms with your loss.
Our experienced funeral directors are here to guide you through the funeral arrangements and help you understand the practical steps that need to be considered.
While we cannot take care of every administrative responsibility on your behalf, we can help you understand what needs to happen and where to seek further assistance when required.
You don’t have to have everything organised immediately.
Take things one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself time to grieve.
Final thoughts
The Australian Death Notification Service can make one part of the administrative process following a death a little easier.
By allowing you to notify multiple participating organisations through one online service, it can reduce the need to repeat the same information over and over again.
If you’re currently arranging a funeral or managing the affairs of someone who has passed away, remember that you don’t have to navigate everything alone.
At Michael Crawford Funerals, we’re here to support you with compassionate, professional funeral services and guidance during a difficult time.
If you need assistance arranging a funeral or would like to talk to one of our experienced funeral directors, contact Michael Crawford Funerals today.
Useful information
For more information about the Australian Death Notification Service, visit the official Australian Death Notification Service website.
This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace legal or financial advice. Requirements can vary depending on the circumstances of the deceased person’s estate. If you are unsure about your legal obligations, we recommend seeking advice from a suitably qualified professional.
