Australia post deceased persons mail

A sensitive and important topic.

In Australia, Australia Post has a specific process for handling mail addressed to deceased persons. Here's what you need to know:

What happens to mail addressed to a deceased person?

When a person passes away, their mail is typically returned to the sender or held at the post office for a period of time. If the mail is not claimed, it may be destroyed or recycled.

How does Australia Post handle deceased persons' mail?

Australia Post has a process in place to handle mail addressed to deceased persons. Here's what happens:

  1. Notification: When a person passes away, their executor, administrator, or next of kin should notify Australia Post of the death.
  2. Holding period: Australia Post will hold the mail at the post office for a period of 12 months from the date of death. During this time, the mail will not be delivered to the deceased person's address.
  3. Return to sender: If the mail is not claimed or redirected within the 12-month holding period, it will be returned to the sender.
  4. Redirection: If the executor, administrator, or next of kin wishes to redirect the mail to a new address, they can complete a redirection form and submit it to Australia Post.
  5. Disposal: If the mail is not claimed or redirected, it will be destroyed or recycled.

What about online services and subscriptions?

If the deceased person had online services or subscriptions, such as email accounts, online banking, or streaming services, the executor or administrator should contact the relevant service providers to notify them of the death. The service providers will then take steps to cancel or suspend the services.

Tips for executors and administrators

When dealing with a deceased person's mail, it's essential to:

Remember to always follow the relevant laws and regulations when dealing with a deceased person's affairs.