I’ve been caring for my amazing mum for many years, but sadly she passed away on Thursday. She had enough savings to pay for a funeral but probate takes a long time and I’m worried about raising the money for a decent funeral. Is there any help available?
Hi Brian … firstly , my condolences, again.
Short of a friendly bank manager and a bridging loan , the Government have a scheme :
Get help with funeral costs (Funeral Expenses Payment): How it works - GOV.UK
Their Funeral Expenses Payment Scheme.
( Also provides guidance as to who to inform in the event of death … pension / benefits. )
An Internet search will reveal more but … mainly commercial sources.
Deepest condolences.
It depends if your mum was in receipt of any benefits.
Was your mum living with you if so. And if you are on certain types of benefits. You maybe able to claim for help.
Thanks for all the quick responses. Much appreciated.
Brian
When my husband died, his bank said they would release funds for his funeral if needed. I would advise you go to the bank and ask. Fortunately I didn’t have to go down that route but was a weight of my mind knowing I could if needed
Condolences on the loss of your Mum Brian.
Whilst waiting for probate to go through most banks will release funds for funeral costs, so like others have said it’s worthwhile approaching either your Mum’s or your own Bank Manager first. Just take a long a copy of her will as evidence that funds will be coming to you.
Hi Brian - what Pet said. The bank will release funds for a funeral. The bank may well have a bereavement advice line / online information. When my mum died a couple of years ago, I think I just went into the bank and the advice was to bring in the death certificate. Then money is released for a funeral if required and the account is frozen until after probate. I recall with the funeral director it was a matter of paying a deposit and then the balance later.
There is some help you can get towards costs if necessary:
I hope you’re doing as okay as you can be.
Thanks for the replies, my mum didn’t leave a will. I know it sounds a bit stupid but I wanted her to think about living rather than dying. If I show the bill for the funeral to the bank would that be enough to release the funds?
I’m not coping particularly well Janey. Can’t sleep much, keep wandering round the house talking to my mum and/or sobbing. I’ve always wanted to make a lot of money somehow, entering competitions, or starting an online trading business, etc, but I no longer care, I now realise I wanted the money so I could buy my mum a nice house and make her life easier and happier.
Hi Brian.
No will … hence letters of administation ?
Two links for you which provide guidance :
Dealing with the financial affairs of someone who has died - Citizens Advice
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/sorting-out-the-estate-when-there-isnt-a-will
Thanks for the links. Very helpful.
Your welcome.