Mail after death: forward or stop

Who can apply?

Only next of kin with proof of relationship or a formal power of attorney may request mail redirection. In practice this means the spouse or legal cohabitant, children or grandchildren, parents or siblings, and any heir who holds a certificate of inheritance or notarial deed. A distant acquaintance or friend without a family-law connection cannot make the request, even if they are managing the estate on a day-to-day basis. If multiple heirs disagree about which address to use, bpost does not adjudicate: the most immediate next of kin makes the decision.

What documents do you need?

Prepare the following before visiting a bpost office or starting the online request: • An official extract from the death certificate (issued by the municipality, not a personal copy). This proves the death and the date. • Proof of your relationship to the deceased: identity card if you share the same surname, marriage booklet, certificate of inheritance, or attestation from the notary or municipality. A will or bank document alone is not sufficient. • The forwarding address (your own address or that of a designated family member; not a business address). No certificate of inheritance yet? You can request one from a notary (cost varies by complexity) or in some municipalities obtain a cheaper administrative attestation.

How long does it last and what does it cost?

The bpost bereavement redirection service is valid for six months and can be renewed once for a further six months. After twelve months the service must be stopped or replaced with a standard redirection (in your own name, chargeable) if you have moved into the deceased's address. bpost currently charges no fee for the initial application for next of kin. The renewal is also generally free. However, rules and fees can change. Always check the current information on the bpost website or ask at an office before assuming the service is free.

What if multiple heirs disagree?

If there are several heirs and they cannot agree on a forwarding address (for example, one child wants mail sent to their address while another prefers leaving it at the old address), bpost does not resolve the dispute. Practical steps to consider: • Try to agree on a single forwarding address, ideally that of the principal heir or the person managing the estate file. • Put the agreement in writing and have it signed so nobody can later dispute who received which correspondence. • If a notary is involved, they can coordinate and confirm the address. • If the conflict persists, you may delay redirection and instead request a stop on delivery (see below).

Forward or stop: which is better?

Redirection is not always the right choice. Here is a side-by-side comparison: Forwarding is useful when: the deceased had active contracts, subscriptions or ongoing correspondence still to be processed; bills or reminders are expected; or the lease or property has not been cleared and the old address will soon cease to exist. Stopping delivery is a better fit when: all ongoing contracts have already been cancelled and no time-sensitive post is expected; the deceased had not lived at the address for a long time (for example, they were in residential care); or the forwarding address is not clearly agreed among heirs and you want to avoid disputes. The two options can be combined: six months of redirection during estate settlement, followed by a permanent stop.

Official bpost request

• bpost: Mail redirection for next of kin

  Apply with a death certificate extract and proof of kinship. Valid 6 months, renewable once.

• bpost: find a post office

  You can also apply in person at any bpost office. The online application requires electronic identity verification (itsme or eID reader).