Before a funeral can be arranged, several official documents need to be in place. Here’s the paperwork trail, in the order it usually happens.
1. Notification of Death (BI-1663)
A doctor or the attending medical professional completes the Notification of Death form, confirming the cause of death. This is the first official document and is required before a funeral undertaker can collect the body.
2. Collection by the Funeral Parlour
Once notification is complete, a registered funeral parlour can collect the deceased. Keep the deceased’s ID book or smart ID card on hand, since the undertaker will need it for the next steps.
3. Registering the Death
The death must be registered at Home Affairs, usually handled by the funeral parlour on the family’s behalf using the notification form and the deceased’s ID. This step produces the official death certificate.
4. Getting the Death Certificate
The death certificate is what you’ll need for almost everything that follows: closing bank accounts, claiming funeral cover, dealing with the deceased’s estate, and claiming any life or funeral policy payouts. It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks to be issued, depending on the Home Affairs office.
5. Claiming Funeral Cover
Insurers usually require a certified copy of the death certificate, the deceased’s ID, and the claimant’s ID and bank details to process a funeral policy payout. Having these ready as soon as the certificate is issued speeds up the claim.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Start
If a death has just occurred and you’re unsure of the first step, contact a funeral parlour directly. A registered undertaker can guide you through notification, collection, and registration, and most, including Everest Funerals, handle this as part of arranging the funeral itself.