What happens to saved up benefits after death?

JennyBee78

Perhaps he scrimped and saved so he could pass something on to the next generation? Is your friend sure that the cash was saved while he was on benefits? The question of whether he got the right benefits or not is one issue, but if it was all in order, then your friend really needs to just follow what his will says. If she is feeling guilty, and feels she 'owes' the people who supported her father, perhaps she could make a charitable donation? It sounds like her father's friends and neighbours did get something back from him though - is lovely company! What price friendship?

jackyann

Yes, people who don't know much about benefits can get very muddled between the "entitlement" ones and the "means tested". The agencies should help, but she can look herself at the paperwork to see what benefits he was receiving, then on gov.uk to see what rules applied.
I agree with previous posters - no (or only very small) distribution of assets until she has clarified the situation. Having done so, then a charitable donation and / or gift to helpful neighbours is the way to go.