funeral deposit

MILLYMOLLY

Sorry if this is in the wrong place.
My MIL recently died and we are struggling to get the deposit for the funeral and Barclays are refusing to release funds.
I thought they had to pay funeral expenses before deducting debts. can anyone offer advice. Thanks

Mojisola

Why are you being asked for a deposit?

I've only ever seen a bill after the funeral. If you present the bill to the bank, they should pay out to the funeral directors directly.

MILLYMOLLY

Thanks, thought they always asked for a deposit. Been arguing with the bank all week. They say they can and are holding the money

pattycake

My father passed away three weeks ago. We used an independent funeral director who was marvellous. He provided an estimate and then after the event, sent his invoice which matched the estimate.

I simply went into the Nationwide having completed a form they gave to me when I advised them of dad's death. They then issued a cheque there and then which I took into the undertakers. Nationwide were very sympathetic and helpful.

dzug1

They don't HAVE to do anything, though most banks will release funds from the deceased's account(s) to pay undertakers on production of the death certificate.

I'm surprised Barclays won't - maybe they have misunderstood the situation? Or you've got a branch with poorly trained staff.

getcarter

We had to pay a deposit for the cremation booking, cars etc. Paid the rest later through the solicitors.

MILLYMOLLY

Thanks for your replies everyone, bank still not budging, so am trying to juggle credit cards.

Mojisola

MILLYMOLLY wrote: »

Thanks for your replies everyone, bank still not budging, so am trying to juggle credit cards.

What exactly are you asking the bank to do - hand over cash to you or pay money directly to the undertakers?

MILLYMOLLY

Pay the undertakers, their bereavement centre said they should pay it but the branch phoned and whoever they spoke to said it was Barclays policy to keep funds if there was outstanding debts.

We have borrowed money from other family now

inkie

It depends on the funeral directors that you are using. Some ask for what can be be seen as a deposit, which is in effect a down payment, and will not make arrangements until this has been received. It is to cover the disbursements that the FD has i.e. the fixed costs tht they have to pay so, drs fees, ministers fees, crem or burial fees that kind of thing. I deal a lot with FDs through my line of work, and know that the Co-op to do this. I'm told that was because they had so many people not settling accounts that they wanted to make sure that the fees that they have to pay out are covered. Perhaps it may be worth looking for another FD who is happy to send invoice after? Hope that you quickly get things sorted.

Mojisola

MILLYMOLLY wrote: »

Pay the undertakers, their bereavement centre said they should pay it but the branch phoned and whoever they spoke to said it was Barclays policy to keep funds if there was outstanding debts.

Don't let Barclays get away with this.

Even if there are debts, the cost of the funeral comes first.