Continuing a PIP appeal when appellant has died

Can anyone advise what happens in these circumstances? My understanding is that the appeal needs to be continued by the next of kin but the appellant was not married to his partner (so she isn’t automatically next of kin). HMCTS advised that DWP should have been in touch, but as far as I know that hasn’t happened. I’d be very grateful for any info, including a steer on how best to get in touch with DWP about next of kin determination for the appeal.

Appointeeship after death.

It doesn’t need to be next of kin, just someone that the SoS deems fit:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/380/regulation/56/made

There have been some previous threads about this, e.g.:
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/12191/

Thanks both, gives me an idea of the way forward for Friday. If there’s any issues with appointeeship, the Reg about children under 16 should help, as they do have a child together.