Losing a loved one can be one of the most challenging times in a person's life, and unimaginable for most unless you’ve lost a close loved one. And while death is a natural part of life, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure that the person's passing is recorded accurately.
In Australia, the process of notifying the relevant authorities and organisations of a person's passing can be a daunting and stressful task for family members and loved ones. The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) was established to ease this process by providing a centralised notification service to key organisations. This article will explore the ADNS in detail, including its purpose, how it works, and its benefits.
What is the Australian Death Notification Service?
The ADNS is a free service that offers a centralised and efficient way of notifying relevant organisations of a person's passing. It was established to make the process of notifying organisations easier and more efficient for the loved ones of the deceased.
How does the Australian Death Notification Service work?
When a loved one passes away, family members or authorised representatives can contact the ADNS to provide the necessary information about the deceased. Note that a death certificate must have been issued before the service can be used.
The ADNS will then notify the relevant organisations of the passing, including government agencies, financial institutions, and utilities. The ADNS also offers assistance in closing the deceased's accounts and finalising their affairs.
Who can use the Australian Death Notification Service?
The ADNS is available to anyone in Australia who needs to notify relevant organisations of a loved one's passing. It is particularly useful for those who are responsible for closing the deceased's accounts and finalising their affairs, such as executors of the Will or the next of kin.
What are the benefits of using the Australian Death Notification Service?
The ADNS offers several benefits, including:
Centralised and efficient service.
The ADNS provides a centralised and efficient way of notifying relevant organisations of a person's passing. This can save family members and loved ones time and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Free service.
The ADNS is a free service, which means that it is accessible to anyone in Australia who needs to use it. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may not have the financial means to pay for notification services.
Assistance in closing accounts and finalising affairs.
The ADNS also offers assistance in closing the deceased's accounts and finalising their affairs. This can be a significant help to family members and loved ones who may not be familiar with the process.
What organisations does the Australian Death Notification Service notify?
The ADNS notifies a range of organisations, including:
Government agencies.
The ADNS notifies government agencies, such as the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Human Services, of the person's passing.
Financial institutions.
The ADNS notifies financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies, of the person's passing.
Utilities.
The ADNS notifies utilities, such as gas and electricity providers, of the person's passing.
How to use the Australian Death Notification Service?
Here is a step by step guide to using the ADNS:
- Head to the ADNS website and enter details of the person who has died, such as name, date of birth and date of passing.
- The details are checked to confirm the death is registered.
- Find organisations to notify and enter account numbers.
- Enter your details as the notifier.
- The organisations will make contact with you.
Frequently asked questions.
Is the Australian Death Notification Service mandatory?
No, the Australian Death Notification Service is not mandatory.
Can I still notify organisations myself instead of using the ADNS?
Yes, you can still notify organisations yourself instead of using the ADNS. However, using the service can save you time and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
How long does it take for the ADNS to notify organisations?
The ADNS aims to notify organisations within 10 business days of receiving notification of the person's passing.
Is the ADNS available outside of Australia?
No, the ADNS is only available in Australia.
What information do I need to provide to use the ADNS?
To use the ADNS, you will need to provide the deceased's name, date of birth, and date of passing, as well as your own contact information.
Can I use the ADNS for multiple people?
Yes, you can use the ADNS for multiple people. However, you will need to provide the necessary information for each person separately.
Final thoughts on the Australian Death Notification Service.
The Australian Death Notification Service provides a centralised and efficient way of notifying relevant organisations of a person's passing. It is a free service that is supported by all State and Territory governments and can be used by anyone in Australia who needs to notify organisations of a loved one's passing.
In a time of distress and grief, services like these can help support families and next of kins during one of the hardest times of their lives.
Let our team help shoulder the burden of your loved one's passing. If you're in need of a cremation, please give us a call on 1800 071 176 or head to the link below to learn more.
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