In this article:
If you are reading this page, please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of your child or baby. We recognise that this is an unimaginably painful time. While your priority is, and should remain, your emotional well-being and that of your family, there are practical and administrative tasks that will eventually need to be addressed.
We recommend that you do not face this alone. If possible, ask a trusted family member or close friend to handle these phone calls and notifications on your behalf.
Essential Administrative Steps
Registering the Death
As with any death, a child's passing must be legally registered. This is a process that either parent can undertake. Please note:
Newborns: If a baby dies shortly after birth, both a birth registration and a death registration are required.
Stillbirths: A stillbirth — defined as a baby delivered at 24 weeks of pregnancy or later — must also be officially registered.
Notifying Financial and Government Agencies
To ensure your records are updated and to avoid the distress of future administrative issues, you will need to contact several departments.
Child Benefit Office
You should notify them as soon as you feel able. Generally, payments continue for eight weeks following a child's death, which can provide a brief financial cushion. If your child passed away at birth, you can still claim this eight-week period, provided you apply within three months. (Note: These payments do not apply to stillbirths).
Tax Credit Office
If your family receives Tax Credits, you are requested to inform the office within one month of the loss. This helps ensure your claim is adjusted correctly. Similar to Child Benefit, payments usually continue for up to eight weeks.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If you were expecting a baby or have a newborn, you may be entitled to a one-off £500 grant if you meet certain criteria. You must register your claim within three months of the birth.
Child Trust Funds and Savings
If your child held a Child Trust Fund (or any other savings account), these are considered part of the child's estate.
Accessing Funds
These accounts will be inherited by the next-of-kin, usually the parents. To close these accounts or access the funds, the bank or building society will require a copy of the death certificate.
Early Access
In cases where a child was terminally ill, HMRC provides a process for early access to these funds through a specific "terminal illness" application form.
Employment and Compassionate Leave
It is important to understand your rights regarding time away from work while you process your grief.
Maternity and Paternity Leave: Parents are entitled to full statutory maternity or paternity leave if their baby is stillborn or dies shortly after birth.
Loss of an Older Child: Compassionate leave for the loss of an older child is currently at the discretion of the employer. However, many companies have dedicated bereavement policies.
Statutory Sick Pay: If you are struggling to return to work due to the profound impact of grief — such as severe anxiety, depression, or shock — your GP may advise that you take time off under Statutory Sick Pay.
Finding Support
The grief that follows the loss of a child is unique and life-altering. You are not expected to walk this path alone.
Peer Support and Counselling
There are numerous charities, listening services, and support groups dedicated to bereaved parents. Connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can sometimes provide a unique form of comfort.
Understanding Grief
You may find it helpful to read about the different models of grief. While everyone's journey is entirely personal and there is no "right" way to feel, understanding the psychological aspects of bereavement can sometimes help you navigate your own emotions.
If you are in immediate need of someone to talk to, please consider reaching out to Cruse Bereavement Support or the Samaritans, who are available 24/7 to listen.