Government departments and large organisations usually have a process in place for helping executors and administrators after a death.
The Australian Death Notification Service
The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) is a free government initiative to help people get in touch with multiple organisations using a single online notification.
To use this service, you need to provide the details of the person who died including their:
· Name
· Date of death
· State or territory where they died
· Last known residential address
It also helps if you know the account and membership numbers of the person who has passed away.
Accessing an account held in joint names
If the deceased has a tax file number you will need to notify the ATO as soon as possible.
The easiest way to deal with ATO is to ask the deceased’s accountant to help.
Otherwise, you can notify the ATO by completing a Notification of Deceased Person form and attending an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will be required to take certified supporting documents and proof of identity.
Details about the notification process as well as an outline of the supporting documents required can be found at the ATO website.
Notification of Deceased Person is the first step. Please know that it is notoriously difficult to obtain a response or any information from ATO about the deceased without obtaining a Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration.
Notifying Services Austrtalia (Centrelink, Medicare & Child Support Services)
You will need to advise Services Australia of the death as soon as possible to ensure any payments are stopped through their online contact for or by telephone.
Services Australia contact details.
Notifying Australian Electoral Office
You can update electoral records using the AEC online deceased notification form.
Notifying Department of Veteran's Affairs
If the deceased received a pension or other payments from the DVA you will need to notify them of their death by email or telephone.
Phone: 1800 555 254
Email: generalenquiries@dva.gov.au
Notifying Local Council
Contact the local council to advise of the death and stop any services that were offered to the deceased. Advise if there is a surviving dependant in the house.
A list of LGAs and contact details for South Australia can be found HERE.
Disclaimer: All estate management information provided in this document is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please seek independent, specific legal advice from Your Estate Lawyer for your unique situation.