My husband has passed away

TommysGirl

Hi Forumites,
I don't know if I am doing this right, but I need your help.  My husband has died (not Coronavirus related) and amid the shock of this, I am alone and in lockdown.  I don't know what to do, because there was just the two of us.  I know I have to do many things to arrange his funeral, but I am stuck with all the financial aspects.  If anyone out there could help, I would be so very grateful.
Thanks,
Tommy's girl.

Brackenfield

I'm sure someone knowledgeable will help, but meantime, I'm very sorry for your loss Tommy's girl.

Bobziz

Very sorry for your loss. You're not alone, I and many others on here will be more than happy to help. Where have you got to with your arrangements ? There's a good thread on here about arranging a funeral during lock down. There are also many 'what to do when someone dies' guides available on this site and the internet more widely.  You'll find many on here willing and able to answer any questions that you might have.

p00hsticks

I am so sorry for your loss.

There is a guide of what to do when someone dies here, although some of it may have changed as a result of the restrictions imposed due to coronavirus

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/?_ga=2.154099320.1715760552.1577553105-621019687.1422292036

The funeral director should be able to guide you through arranging a funeral, which unfortunately in the circumstances may not be as you would ideally want it to be - perhaps a memorial service sometime later when the lockdown is over could be something to think about later ?

As to finance, did you and your husband have a joint account ? If so then you should let the bank know and get them to put the account into your name only.  The bank can also be asked to release funds in order to pay for the funeral.  If you are claiming benefits, you need to let DWP and/or the council know, and if your husband was claiming a pension let them know too - the rest can probably wait for a bit if you have money to get by.

xylophone

Condolences on your loss especially at this very difficult time.

You should check on how to register the death - telephone your local register office.

Telephone your chosen funeral director for guidance on making arrangements.

Re Tell Us Once - https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-once?step-by-step-nav=4f1fe77d-f43b-4581-baf9-e2600e2a2b7
Do you have friends or family you can telephone for immediate support?

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/

If you have to deal with banks/other organisations, check their websites for the  bereavement team.

74jax

TommysGirl said:

Hi Forumites,
I don't know if I am doing this right, but I need your help.  My husband has died (not Coronavirus related) and amid the shock of this, I am alone and in lockdown.  I don't know what to do, because there was just the two of us.  I know I have to do many things to arrange his funeral, but I am stuck with all the financial aspects.  If anyone out there could help, I would be so very grateful.
Thanks,
Tommy's girl.

I am so sorry, my mam died on Good Friday and I can't begin to imagine what you are currently going through with this situation we have going on.
Did he die in a hospital?  I am guessing it is varying from local authority to local authority, however the hospital can guide you.  In my case, the doctor raised a medical note - usually this is done straight away, however in mam's case it was delayed a little.  Usually you collect this piece of paper and contact the registrar to arrange to register the death face to face.  In my case, the doctor emailed it to the registrar (I haven't even seen it) and the registrar then called me.  The registering of death was done over the telephone and the death certificate will be posted out in due course.  I was emailed confirmation and also a unique reference number to use the gov.uk website 'tell us once'.
The funeral directors will help you loads, just call who ever you are using up and be guided by them.  My FDs spoke with the hospital and arranged for mam to be taken to them.  I haven't really been involved in the moving of mam, i've just left it to the experts.
Are bills in your name?  if not I would probably email, rather than call (I'm struggling to get through to anyone), and also use the contact us emails on bank accounts.
Funerals are rather strange at the moment, my mam can't have a church service etc and there's strict guidlines we all need to follow, again your FD will guide you.
Do you have children with you or are you alone in the house?  I can't begin to imagine what you are going through.  Losing my mam is bad enough......