What to do after a death

• Step 1 — Confirm the pathway: hospital/clinic vs home expected vs sudden/suspicious (SAPS/FPS). This determines timing and documents.
• Step 2 — Identify BI-1663 ownership: ask who will complete it, when, and what you must provide (ID details, address, next-of-kin info).
• Step 3 — Get a DHA plan: confirm whether the funeral undertaker/hospital submits to Home Affairs, or whether the family must go in person — and what to bring.

Hospital pathway: the 3 questions that prevent chaos

• “Has BI-1663 been completed — and who is the contact person if I need a correction?”
• “What is your body release / handover process — where do we go and what do we bring?”
• “Do you work with a specific funeral service, or can we appoint our own?”

SAPS/FPS pathway: keep expectations realistic (and keep moving)

• In accidents/suspicious cases, timelines vary — it can be slower than natural deaths. Your best move is to secure a single official update channel and ask what you’re waiting for: “What step/document is needed before DHA registration can happen?”
• Avoid “agents” offering faster release or paperwork. In these cases, “shortcutting” can backfire.

• If the death is natural, a medical practitioner (and in some contexts an authorised professional nurse) may complete the medical certificate section — but they must be satisfied the death was natural after examining the body.
• If it’s sudden/suspicious, SAPS/FPS processes come first and documentation may be issued after official steps.
• Small data issues create big delays: spellings, ID numbers, marital status, addresses. Read names and numbers out loud before leaving.

Deaths are registered with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). In many areas, a funeral undertaker or hospital can help submit paperwork — in other areas, families attend in person.

What to bring (practical checklist)

• The documents related to BI-1663 / death notice process (as issued/handled locally)
• Deceased’s ID/passport (if you have it) + your ID
• Marriage certificate / proof of partnership (if applicable)
• Any hospital reference numbers / facility letters if given

• Ask for written detail: what’s included (collection, storage, coffin, transport, paperwork help) and what is extra (venue, flowers, programmes, additional vehicles).
• If cost is a concern, ask for the simplest lawful option and what choices affect price most.
• If you’re unsure, delay “upgrade decisions” until daytime when you can compare calmly.

• DHA certificates/copies: often low-cost or free at point of issue depending on the process; additional certified copies can have admin fees (varies).
• Private GP call-out / certificate work (if used): can range widely (often hundreds to a few thousand rand), especially after-hours.
• Basic funeral handover/logistics: varies significantly (basic packages vs full-service; urban vs rural).
• Police-related paperwork: requirements differ by case; avoid paying “cash fees” without official receipts.

Many South African institutions require “estate authority” before releasing funds. The common blocker is not your effort — it’s that banks and funds usually wait for official estate letters.

Practical bank/pension reality (what to expect)

• Banks: often freeze individual accounts once notified, then request death certificate copies and estate authority letters before releasing balances or closing accounts.
• Pension/retirement funds: process is usually via employer HR or the fund administrator; they require death certificate and beneficiary/next-of-kin documentation and may also require estate letters depending on the payout path.
• UIF (dependants’ benefits): may apply if the deceased contributed. There are time limits and document lists.
• RAF (Road Accident Fund): may apply only if the death involved a road accident; claims have their own strict processes.

• Fake DHA “agents” outside offices: offering to “speed up” registration/certificates for cash.
• Funeral deposit scams: a “representative” requests a deposit via EFT/WhatsApp and disappears.
• Pension fast-tracking fees: “pay to release benefits” — red flag. Use official fund/employer channels.
• Estate ‘administrators’ demanding upfront payments: especially if they avoid written contracts and references.

• Keep the SIM active for a while: many services rely on OTPs (banks, email, services).
• Load shedding reality: download key documents to the phone when you have power/network, and keep a second backup (trusted family device or secure storage).
• Common platforms to note for later: banking apps, SARS eFiling, email accounts, and any subscription services with recurring debits.

• Western Cape vs Gauteng vs other provinces: FPS workflows and capacity can differ; expect timing differences for sudden/suspicious deaths.
• Rural areas: DHA access can be limited; you may need to travel to a larger office. Plan one “complete trip” with originals + copies.
• Traditional leadership involvement: in some communities, family may coordinate with traditional leaders for local arrangements — keep it respectful, but don’t let anyone pressure you into financial decisions without clarity.