how do banks handle funeral expenses

lowflyer

If a person dies, and the executor handling the estate needs to get money to pay the funeral, how do the various banks handle the request.
For example, allow the funds to be released, won't release the funds, ask for the bill and they pay it, etc

hcb42

not sure on the detail of different banks, but best thing is just go into local branch and ask them to help.

dzug1

I think the general rule is you take them the bill and they pay it direct.

But it could vary

richard9991

copy of death cert and they will release funds for funeral expeces etc

oldagetraveller

I've recently had to do this as an executor with HSBC. Once all the various checks are completed, they want to know who you are with proof, death certificate (HSBC wanted an original) etc., they copied all the relevant documents, It's then just a matter of taking the original bill into branch which is paid directly to the FD from the deceased's bank account (if there are sufficient funds of course!). You don't have to be an executor though.
But as advised in post 2 - ask them.

Biggles

It's not a problem, but funeral directors are pretty understanding in these circumstances, so if there was a delay, it wouldn't matter.

oldagetraveller

Biggles wrote: »

It's not a problem, but funeral directors are pretty understanding in these circumstances, so if there was a delay, it wouldn't matter.

You're right, fortunately and to their credit, HSBC paid within two or three days.
The crafty sods still keep the deceased's money in the respective accounts until Grant of Probate! A good little earner for them, they know it's there for at least two or three months. Could amount to tens of thousands of pounds or more. In my f i l's case it's around £60k.:mad:

CG19a

In Scotland, when my grandfather passed, I accompanied my grandmother to the local Clydesdale bank where they asked for the death certificate, the marriage certificate and some ID to prove my gran was who she said she was. The money was immediately released at that point.

hcb42

My Mum and Dad had funeral cover with LHF. When I rang to claim this, in the case of my Dad's death, who died last, they paid it to me on production of death certificate.

lowflyer

Thanks for the replies.
I'll go to the local branch and ask the procedure.

birkee

oldagetraveller wrote: »

You're right, fortunately and to their credit, HSBC paid within two or three days.
The crafty sods still keep the deceased's money in the respective accounts until Grant of Probate! A good little earner for them, they know it's there for at least two or three months. Could amount to tens of thousands of pounds or more. In my f i l's case it's around £60k.:mad:

Good thread this, as it's a question that has occurred to me.

But, re. your answer above.... Why would the account stop accruing interest if the account holder is deceased?
And, if interest is payed how is this any different than if the account holder is still alive, ?