Guidance

Purple Book bereavement guide

Updated 24 February 2025

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/purple-pack-bereavement-guide-for-families-of-service-personnel/purple-pack-bereavement-guide-for-families-of-service-personnel

Coping with the loss of a family member is extremely demanding, both emotionally and practically, but this is not a journey that bereaved families within the Armed Forces have to take on their own. The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), along with several other organisations (many of them working through the Visiting Officer (VO) appointed to support you) are ready to assist in dealing with any questions or concerns you may have.

Every bereavement is unique, whether that be in the circumstances of the death itself, the dynamics of the particular family, or the way family members individually manage their loss; some want to be left alone, others need time and support before they can even start thinking of what to do next, while for others the need to do something constructive is an important part of their grieving process.

The Purple Book has been designed to provide you with information and contact details of organisations and networks who offer support should you wish to approach them in your own time. It does not try to answer every question, as the unique nature of each bereavement means that the answers may differ, but it does try to help point you to where some of the answers may lie. Many will be of immediate value, while other elements may be useful in the future.

In addition to the hard copy of the Purple Book provided to the family member being supported by the VO, an online version is also available which can easily be shared amongst those more widely affected by the bereavement.

Clive Montellier
Head of Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre
Imjin Barracks
Gloucester
GL3 1HW

1. Key terms used in this book

Word Definition
Defence Ministry of Defence (MOD) or Defence is the overarching term used for the collection of Services; Royal Navy and Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.  
Service Person   This refers to full-time member of the Armed Forces, to include Reservists who were on-duty at the time of their death.  
Executor     Where there is a valid Will, the Executor is an individual appointed by the deceased to administer their affairs and wishes post-death.  
Personal Representative     When the deceased has died without a valid Will, the Personal representative is recognised by the probate office (or equivalent) to manage the estate.  
Next of Kin  The term Next of Kin is used in line with intestacy law. This is normally a person’s closest living relative(s).          
Emergency Contact  The Service Person may choose an Emergency Contact for the purpose of notification of death, instead of or in addition to the Next of Kin.       
Visiting Officer (VO)  The Visiting Officer is assigned by the relevant single Service following a death to help guide the bereaved in the process relating to Defence post-death administration.  
Case Manager (CM)    A Case Manager primarily advises on financial entitlements and offers longer term support and signposting.           
Veterans Services   This is part of Defence Business Services (DBS) and provides advice, information, and support to the bereaved, Veterans, families and Serving Personnel transitioning out of Service.          
Single Service/s   This indicates an individual Service, the Royal Navy, Arm or Royal Air Force.          
Service Families Accommodation (SFA) – OR – Substitute SFA (SSFA) Defence provided accommodation for Serving Personnel and their families.   
War Widow/War Widower War Widow/War Widower - The term War Widow / Widower is not limited to those who die in war conditions. It is often used to refer to the War Widow /Widowers pension scheme.   
Non-Religious Pastoral Worker (NRPO) The NRPO or Chaplain is appointed by the relevant single Service to offer pastoral care and spiritual support.   

2. Introduction

2.1 Who this book is intended for

Although we acknowledge all circumstances are unique, this book is primarily intended for the person or people responsible for handling the affairs and arrangements following the death of a Service Person, and so is acting as the first point of contact for handling legal, financial, and funeral arrangements. This is typically, but not limited to the Next of Kin, however, it may also be relevant to others.

These responsibilities and decisions can sometimes appear overwhelming. This book aims to provide clear guidance to help navigate the immediate tasks and longer-term considerations.

Defence will have formerly notified the Next of Kin or, if nominated by the Serving Person, the Emergency Contact of the death in accordance with the Serving Person’s wishes and Defence policy. In addition, when managing certain aspects of post-death activity, Defence may be legally compelled to engage with the Executor of a valid Will, a Personal Representative or Next of Kin where there is no Will in place. It is important to recognise that the Executor of a valid Will, Personal Representative, Next of Kin and/or Emergency Contact may be different people, depending upon the circumstances and recorded wishes of the deceased.

The VO may use this book to support the relevant individuals through the Defence related aspects of a Service death. Recognising that the emotional and practical impact of bereavement is often complex and shared by many, elements of this book can also be used as a resource for the wider family and those affected such as friends and colleagues, providing broader understanding and signposting.

3. Immediate actions

3.1 Support available

A VO will be assigned to manage elements of the deceased Service Person’s case during the immediate period following bereavement. They are trained and carefully appointed by the single Service to provide information and support and act as the first port of call should there be any questions. The VO will work closely with the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC). VOs are encouraged to use JSP 770 for further signposting and support.

A Case Manager, provided by the Veterans Services, will primarily advise on financial entitlements in addition to longer term support and signposting. They are appointed around the same time as the VO. Should it be required, a second Case Manager can be provided for families where circumstances may necessitate separate support. Although those who die in service did not formerly become a Veteran, it is the Veterans Services who provide this support.

You can contact either the VO or the Case Manager should you have any questions.

At an appropriate time and at the point of finalising Defence milestones, the continuation of support will transfer from the VO to the Case Manager.

A Chaplain or Non-Religious Pastoral Officer (NRPO) is available to offer pastoral care, spiritual support, and practical advice if requested. They are trained to support the bereaved with diverse beliefs and worldviews and have extensive experience of officiating at funerals. The Chaplain or NRPO will liaise with the VO.

3.2 Support available to non-UK Next of Kin

This book is based around services available within the UK. Most of these services will be available to family members living in the UK who are not UK nationals but who have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Enter (referred to as “settlement”), including those settled under the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you have not obtained settlement and wish to remain in the UK, you are advised to contact the qualified immigration advisers at the single Service Families Federations. Details of these are included within the ‘Support Available’ section of this book.

Where Next of Kin reside in the Service Person’s country of origin overseas, advice and support will be provided on-line by the VO and Case Manager, and may also be provided by UK Defence staff in country. There may be limitations as to what guidance may be provided regarding support services in your country.

4. Wills

Locate and obtain a copy of the deceased’s Will if one was completed. In the absence of a valid private or Service Will (and therefore a known Executor of the deceased’s estate), the Next of Kin or Personal Representative (under intestacy law) will be contacted by JCCC, noting this does not infer any entitlement. The VO will be able to advise on the next steps.

5. Registering the death

Once you have received the medical document confirming cause of death you must register the death within 5 days at a Register Office. It will take approximately 30 minutes and you may need to make an appointment. At this point you’ll be able to buy a death certificate - this proves the death has been registered. This certificate is required to enable management of the deceased’s estate. The online guide provides country specific advice as practices differ between England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and abroad. Please note this process may differ if there is an inquiry into the deceased’s death.

The VO can support you with registering the death. It may be useful to obtain extra copies of the death certificate.

6. Registering the death in locations other than the UK

For deaths occurring overseas other registration processes may apply. The VO can support further with this.

7. Coroner and inquest services

Coroner services, inquest services and the Defence Inquests Unit can provide you with guidance and support through the Coronial and / or Inquest process, or if you prefer, please speak with the VO in the first instance.

8. Media interest

Depending on the circumstances, media interest may be generated following the death of a Service Person. This can be very difficult to navigate. The VO will be able to advise and support you in dealing with this should it arise.

9. Personal effects of the deceased

With the help of JCCC and the VO, an officer responsible for personal effects will coordinate the return of these items to the appropriate recipient(s) as soon as possible. Please speak to the VO if you require the early release of items of a sentimental or essential administrative nature.

10. Housing and accommodation

If you live in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) or Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA), you are entitled to retain your accommodation for up to two years as you adjust and make alternate living arrangements. This may be extended beyond the two year point at the discretion of the local Service Commander. If you wish to move closer to family, you may be able to move at public expense to alternative SFA / SSFA if available. Please speak to the VO for further information.

Retention of housing in non-UK accommodation may be subject to legislation of that country. Please speak with the VO for further information.

If you live in privately owned or rented accommodation, it is advisable to notify your mortgage lender or landlord of your circumstances.

11. Financial

Should you encounter initial financial challenges, you may wish to first engage with the VO to discuss your financial circumstances. You will be advised on most matters relating to entitlements and benefits (including entitlement to pensions and compensation) by the Case Manager. Furthermore, the single Service Benevolent Funds may be able to assist you.

If you are located overseas, please consider both overseas and UK bank account administration.

The VO and/or the Case Manager are able to support with queries relating to statutory financial support (Department of Work and Pensions benefits, Housing Benefits, and relevant allowances) and help with processes and claims, however neither will be able to provide financial advice outside of Defence entitlements and process.

Should the deceased have paid an annual subscription as a member of one of the Service Dependants Trusts, you may be entitled to an immediate payment following the death. These funds are separate from other monies payable from Defence.

11.1 Notifying others

There are many individuals, companies and agencies that you will need to notify of the death. You may wish to use the Tell Us Once, which lets you report a death to several government organisations in one instance. When notifying others, you may find it helpful to keep a list of those you need to contact or use the checklist at the end of this book.

For Service personnel, Service families and Veterans, please visit the support services page for further information on bereavement, and for those bereaved by suicide.

12. Funeral arrangements

Arranging a funeral can be a difficult task. All Service Personnel who have died while serving are entitled to a Service funeral at public expense. Alternatively, you may wish for a private funeral with the option of military representation.

The deceased may have left specific instructions in their Will. Should this not be the case the Executor, Personal Representative or Next of Kin will need to make the decision on the type of service provided.

If a Service funeral is chosen this will include various elements provided at public expense. Please speak with the VO who will inform you of further details on the differences and entitlements between a Service funeral and a private funeral.

The funeral may be at any location in the UK or in the country where death occurred while serving overseas. For non-UK Serving Personnel, the same option applies but with the additional option of the funeral being held in their country of origin. The VO will advise on the options and help you throughout this process.

Whether it is a private or Service funeral, the person responsible for arranging the funeral will receive a Funeral Expense Grant to help cover costs. You may wish to speak to the VO for further information.

JCCC can provide advice and assistance on the marking of a grave or urn plot marker. In addition, Citizens Advice and GOV.UK provide guidance that you may find helpful:

JCCC post-death administration team

Citizens Advice Bureau

Arrange the funeral

12.1 Reservists

Levels of funeral entitlements and support available in the case of a Reservist death will be dependent on whether the death occurred while on duty or not. Please discuss this with the VO.

13. Entitlements and benefits

Benefits, pension and compensation rules are complex. The Case Manager and VO will be able to provide advice and guidance around this. Further information can be found at the links below:

Armed Forces pensions will be managed by DBS Pensions. Pension Scheme Guides and information on benefits can be found at the links below:

13.1 Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC)

JCCC is responsible for Defence monies that are paid into the deceased’s estate. Any money due to the deceased’s estate from Defence will be released to the Executor (if there is a Will) and to the Personal Representative (where there is no Will) by JCCC once legal formalities are completed. JCCC will make contact with the family after the funeral to provide further advice. Veterans Services may be able to assist the Executor or Personal Representative with the completion of Probate documentation if required.

The Forces Pension Society is a not-for-profit company that provides a service for those bereaved either in Service or post Service. Those who wish to join may seek advice and guidance in order to make more informed choices about the Armed Forces Pension.

13.2 Inheritance Tax Exemption

The estate of a deceased Service Person may be eligible for an Inheritance Tax exemption if the cause of death is found to meet the criteria laid out in section 154 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. An Executor, Personal Representative or Next of Kin for the deceased should apply to JCCC for this exemption.

13.3 Service Life Insurance (SLI) and/or PAX or PAL (Optional Life Cover)

In keeping with the Armed Forces Covenant, Defence is committed to ensuring that Service Personnel are not disadvantaged in their ability to access privately arranged personal accident and life insurance due to their employment. This approach is currently managed through insurance schemes contracted by Defence.

You may wish to check whether the deceased held any Life cover or a Personal Accident policy. If they did have a policy, you will notice either ‘Covea Life’ and/or ‘PAX Insurance or PAL Insurance’ on either bank or pay statements.

For Service Life Insurance (Covea Life):

For PAX PA Insurance:

For PAX Life Insurance:

For PAL Insurance:

13.4 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Benefits

If eligible, the DWP may be able to issue a Bereavement Support Payment. This provides financial support for a fixed period after the death of a spouse, civil partner or established and cohabiting long-term partner.

To claim, complete the form in your folder or download the Bereavement Support Payment claim form online. You can also order the pack over the phone from your local Job Centre Plus. To receive full payment, you must claim within 3 months from the date of death. You may claim up to 21 months after the death, however payment may be less.

Bereavement Service Helpline: 0345 608 8601

14. Education

There are several organisations and schemes that may be able to offer financial assistance with educational costs to support the bereaved child/ren. There are also child specific elements of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, War Pension Scheme, and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme that may provide support. Further information can be found under ‘Children’s Pensions/allowances’ here: Armed Forces Pensions.

14.1 Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)

If you already receive Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), this may continue to be claimed depending on the regulations in place when the death occurred. The VO or Case Manager will be able to provide further advice and guidance.

14.2 Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS)

The scheme aims to provide post-16 education scholarships to bereaved Service children if they meet the eligibility criteria. Further details, including how to apply, can be found here: Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme.

14.3 Schools and Colleges

Several fee-paying schools and colleges may offer bursaries to assist with the costs of retaining children in education in the event of a death in Service. The school or college will be able to advise on this.

14.4 Charities

Several Service charities and other charities can offer educational grants. They may also offer advice and guidance on additional sources to be explored if a grant is not possible.

15. Support available

Each of the services below offer assistance to the bereaved whether they are immediate family members or wider family, friends or colleagues.

Royal Navy Family People Support

  • Telephone: 02392 728777
  • Freephone: 0800 145 6088

Army Welfare Service

RAF Health and Wellbeing Support

HIVE information centres also provide information and support to the Service community to include serving personnel, families, Defence civilians and Veterans. Service specific details can be found at the links below.

Royal Navy Forum

HIVE Information Centres - The British Army

HIVE Finder - Royal Air Force

Veterans Services (VS) provides support to bereaved families, close relatives and Veterans. This support can be accessed at any time beyond initial contact, through the following contact details:

The War Widows’ Association of Great Britain work to improve the conditions of war widows and immediate family. Despite the name, the War Widows’ Association support the bereaved outside of war time scenarios.

The single Service Widows’ Associations aim to support those who have experienced bereavement of a Service person through the provision of advice and guidance, support and friendship. Details listed below:

Royal Navy, Royal Marine Widows’ Association

Army Widows’ Association

Royal Air Force Widows’ Association

The Support After Suicide Partnership brings together Suicide Bereavement organisations and people with lived experience, to offer timely and appropriate support. Their ‘Help is at Hand’ leaflet provides information and direction to support those bereaved by suicide. The following resources provide relevant information depending on where you live:

Scotty’s Little Soldiers offer relief from the effects of bereavement to young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served with the Armed Forces through supporting with access to health and wellbeing support, providing development opportunities for children.

Cruse provides support across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The charity offers advice and information for those bereaved, this can be face-to-face, via telephone, email or website. For children and young people there is a freephone national helpline, local services, and the Hope Again website.

Useful Cruse resources include:

15.1 Families Federations

The Families Federations provide signposting services and information for Defence families in support of the Chain of Command.

Navy Families Federation

Army Families Federation

RAF Families Federation

15.2 Service Charities and Benevolent Funds

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provides financial, practical and emotional assistance to the Service community. SSAFA also offers dedicated support groups, providing events which facilitate peer support, a safe space to grieve and an opportunity for respite.

SSAFA Services

Family Support Groups – including the Bereavement Support Group and Military Families affected by Suicide.

Forces Line is a confidential helpline open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: 0800 260 6767

The Royal British Legion (RBL) provides welfare, comradeship, and representation for the Armed Forces Community.

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) supports sailors, marines and their families for life. The charity aims to raise and deliver resources to provide support to the RNRM community. The RNRMC is a fundraising and grant making charity.

ABF The Soldiers Charity provides lifetime support to British Army soldiers, Veterans and their families when they are in need. The charity aims to support the British Army family and make a difference to people at critical points in their life.

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides support to the Royal Air Force Family for life. The charity provides a range of support services including but not limited to financial support, advice and welfare.

16. Checklist

Please find below a checklist that may come in useful to aid the process of prioritisation at this difficult time. This list may feel overwhelming and if you find it is too difficult to complete immediately, please discuss with the VO. We acknowledge that individual circumstances will differ, and the actions listed below may not relate to all.

Initial actions (in first 7 days):

  • locate and obtain a copy of the deceased’s Will if one was completed
  • register the death
  • inform family and friends
  • inform children’s school
  • inform bank/building society/credit agencies
  • inform mortgage provider if relevant
  • identify any rental, hire purchase, or loan agreements and notify the relevant organisations
  • notify utility companies if the deceased was a signatory
  • inform HMRC if you have not used the Tell Us Once service or for any business-related tax issues Sometimes there are high profile circumstances that require a brief for the media; the VO will let you know if you need to prepare a statement for these

Next steps:

  • inform insurance companies (house, car, health, life)
  • complete Armed Forces Family Pension claim form
  • complete BSP1 claim form for the Bereavement Support Payment
  • complete Armed Forces Compensation Scheme dependents detail form if eligible
  • identify any Service Life Insurance and/or PAX Insurance policies – claim as appropriate
  • if living in privately owned or rented accommodation, inform the Council Tax Department of single adult occupancy
  • if co-habiting, complete the Bereavement Register either online or using the paper form in your folder to cease mail addressed to the deceased
  • arrange for the redirection of any post if necessary
  • return driving license to DVLA (assistance may be provided by the Services)
  • return passport to the relevant office (assistance may be provided by the Services)
  • cancel any subscriptions or memberships
  • make a new Will if applicable
  • close down any social media accounts of the deceased
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