Bereavement and Electric

lthoel2

My husband passed away last week and it’s been a nightmare sorting everything out. I have been in touch with the electric supplier and changed the account over into my name. They have however sent me a bill for the amount owing from the last bill. Anyone know if I have to pay this. He didn’t have any assets and I have to find money for his funeral. Thanks.

jbuchanangb

I am sorry to hear about your husband's death. There is a legal process to go through involving probate (if there is a will) or letters of administration (if no will). Any bills in your husband's name should be paid by the executor after due process. The bereavement team at the energy supplier should understand that bills in the deceased's name may be delayed due to the legal process. It may help you to talk to Citizen's Advice to get help with all the various activities and processes you are handling.

MWT

I am sorry for your loss, and you should find that the utility company will exercise forbearance while matters are properly sorted out, and sorry to have to ask, but so that people can give the best advice, were you both residing at the same address?

It just makes a difference with some things like utilities unfortunately.

Do also seek help from CAB if you need more direct advice and they will also be able to put you in touch with other support groups.

lthoel2

yes we bothered lived at the same address 

Gerry1

Sorry to hear of your loss.  Funerals can be expensive because funeral companies know it's a 'distress purchase' and that people don't shop around because they are grieving and under time pressures.  However, just as with energy, insurance etc, it can be well worthwhile.  Many companies have basic funerals (IIRC they were leaned on by the CMA or whoever), but they won't exactly be keen to tell you.  Similarly you can have a direct cremation.  Search online for 'basic funeral', 'simple funeral', 'direct cremation' etc.

Make sure you claim all the benefits to which you may be entitled; again, Citizens Advice is a good place to start.

All the best.

Cardew

Sorry for your loss.

As you lived together, and thus used some of the electricity yourself, legally you can be billed. However a call to the bereavement team explaining the circumstances will certainly give you time to pay; and could possibly get the bill written off. 

Norman_Castle

Sorry for your loss. As above, ask to speak to the bereavement team, as you live at the property changing the bill to your name is the sensible and practical thing to do. The bereavement teams tend to be far more capable at understanding what needs to be done. If you need to contact other large organisations ask if they have one.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/deaths-funerals-probate

Owain_Moneysaver

If you do not have money for a funeral, the council will provide a 'public health' funeral, which will usually be a direct cremation with a simple, brief ceremony carried out by the crematorium staff. There are also DWP payments you may be able to claim to help towards funeral costs. 

binao

Sorry for your loss. 
I have always found Age uk  very understanding, pre pension age as well. web site Ageuk.org.uk.

Your local Age Uk office will help you with DWP forms and benefits and any other help you need. They tend not to be so busy as the CAB.

Also you may be eligible for a lump sum to help with the funeral.
(Bereavement Support  Payment)

Good luck  and may time be the great healer.