• Did you know? Peter Dodd are one of the few remaining family owned and run funeral directors in Sunderland

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

IF THE PROPERTY IS UNOCCUPIED

Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secure, if there are any cat/door flaps make sure they are secured, in winter leave some heating on, as this will prevent any pipes from freezing. Make sure that the fridge door is left ajar and that all perishable foods are disposed of. Household plants may need to be tendered to. It may be advisable to let a neighbour have a key to remove any free newspapers and post to stop them building up. Blinds or curtains may be adjusted every couple of days, hence giving an appearance of the house being occupied. Time clocks can be purchased from most hardware stores, which time a lamp or light to turn on and turn off at certain times.

FURTHER HELP

In certain circumstances the next-of-kin can receive help with the cost of the funeral from the Social Fund. (Claims must be within three months of death.) Ask your Funeral Director for further information on Death Benefits.

  • Your financial circumstances may now have changed and you could be eligible for various state grants.

REGISTRATION OF A DEATH

A death must be registered by the Registrar of Births and Deaths for the area in which the death occurred, The death must be registered within five days.

HOW TO REGISTER A DEATH

You must make an appointment at the Registrars (civic centre) to Register a Death, 0191 520 5553 or www.sunderland.gov.uk

WHEN YOU GO TO THE REGISTRAR

1. Things To Take With You:

  • The Medical Certificate of the cause of death
  • The Deceased’s National Health Medical Card
  • The Deceased’s Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate
  • The Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate contain all the information required by the Registrar.

2. The Registrar Requires the Following Details:

  • Full Name of the Deceased
  • Home Address
  • Date and Place of Death
  • Date and Place of Birth
  • Last Occupation
  • Date of Birth of Surviving Partner
  • Whether the Deceased was in Receipt of a Pension or Allowance from Public Funds.

If the Deceased was a married woman

  • Maiden Name
  • Husband’s Full Name (even if deceased)
  • Husband’s last Occupation (even if deceased)
  • From the Informant
  • Full Name of Informant
  • Home Address

3. The Registrar Will Give You:

  • A Green Certificate - please leave this green certificate at the Civic Centre unless the cremation is taking place at a different district.
  • A White Certificate - this is for social security purposes

4. The Registrar Will SELL You Copies of the Death Certificate. You may need these for:

  • The Will
  • Any Pension Claims
  • Insurance Policies
  • Savings Bank Certificates
  • Premium Bonds