will housing benefit be paid

Blackpool_Saver

unlikely to get benefits either with a lump sum

zzzLazyDaisy

As others have said, you cannot inherit a mortgage.

The executors have a duty to pay off all debts of the estate including funeral bills, the mortgage, and any other outstanding bills such as utility bills, credit card debts etc. If there is enough money in the estate to pay these debts that's great, but if not the executors sell the house and once all debts have been paid, she gets what's left (called 'the residue').

In any case, it is unusual to leave a house to someone in a will if there are no other savings or assets to cover the estates costs and debts. It is more usual in a small estate to provide that the executors shall call in and liquidate all assets, and then make provision for gifts under the will once the debts have been paid.

Unless this is a homemade will on a pro-forma from WH Smith, or wherever? In which case save the executor a lot of bother, and try and persuade him to see a solicitor and get proper advice.

Dx