Unexpected expense at the start of DMP

Billy_Dandy

Hi to all,

I stopped paying creditors in August so not too long ago.

As stated in my previous post, I am just starting to get some defaults on the horizon. Namely NewDay/Pulse.
PayPal credit have given me until 22nd November to pay my balance in full, so I suspect they might be next to default me.

My intention is to commence a self managed DMP. 

I haven't saved too much money yet, and certainly not enough for a funeral.

My 46 year old son has had poor health including type 1 diabetes since the age of 7. 

I hadn't heard from him since Monday so went to his flat and found him dead this morning. 

That's bad enough but when I'm just about to start making payments ...

My son had no life insurance. He has no assets. There will be no estate.

He lived on PIP and ESA benefits because of his poor health.

Myself, I'm in receipt of an occupational pension and Carer's allowance.

My wife, also in poor health receives PIP and State pension.

None of these are means tested benefits.

I find myself faced with the cost of a funeral, potentially about £3000

I am also led to believe that the housing association flat that he lived in will require emptying and cleaning. The housing association will expect family to do this. I'm not sure how that would be lawful. I didn't sign the tenancy agreement.

I'm wondering if I can delay the start of making my monthly payment (£600) to the DMP for about 6 months to pay for the funeral first.

I would like to avoid the possibility of CCJ's.

Your thoughts please...

Cherryfudge

I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your wife.

I had a quick look on the Internet and there are provisions made to help with funeral costs if, as in your case, neither your son nor yourselves have the money for a funeral and are in receipt of certain benefits. I hope this helps: Get help with funeral costs (Funeral Expenses Payment): Eligibility - GOV.UK

I hope there will be others along to help as I don't have specific knowledge.

Cherryfudge

I've also found out that if you ring the local authority in the area where your son lived and explain the situation, they should be able to help.

RAS

Really sorry for your loss. Please take things slowly.

Your son apparently died intestate and possibly insolvent. In which case you do as little as necessary.

If you can access keys, you can check his home for evidence of bank and savings accounts and ascertain if there is any money in those accounts. Speak to the bereavement team.  That money could be used towards a funeral as long as the funeral directors bill the banks directly. Obviously they need to know this before they organise anything.

Since you do not have the funds to pay for a funeral, if those funds aren't sufficient, your son is entitled to a "public health funeral", organised by the hospital or the local council. This will be basic but you are entitled to know when and where it takes place and to attend. Although you won't have a say in the time or place. 

It may also be possible that since your income is only benefits you can apply for a funeral grant but today that might only pay for a basic cremation. Again the funeral directors can send bills to any banks that hold funds, and then you top up from the grant.

Remove any personal items from his home, return the keys and let the housing provider clear it. They will try to pressure you to take responsibility but you are not liable for clearing his home. Sad as this may seem. 

Meanwhile, I wish things were different and hope you have someone who can support you through this difficult time.

fatbelly

Yes. Good advice above. I will also add that dealing with nonpriority debts is not your main issue at the moment and won't be for a good few months. Let the letters accumulate 

The only letter you would need to react to, and this is very unlikely to happen, is a formal preaction letter that comes with a reply form and 30-day limit. CCJs do not just happen. There is a lengthy process and that is the first step.

Billy_Dandy

RAS said:

Really sorry for your loss. Please take things slowly.

Your son apparently died intestate and possibly insolvent. In which case you do as little as necessary.

If you can access keys, you can check his home for evidence of bank and savings accounts and ascertain if there is any money in those accounts. Speak to the bereavement team.  That money could be used towards a funeral as long as the funeral directors bill the banks directly. Obviously they need to know this before they organise anything.

Since you do not have the funds to pay for a funeral, if those funds aren't sufficient, your son is entitled to a "public health funeral", organised by the hospital or the local council. This will be basic but you are entitled to know when and where it takes place and to attend. Although you won't have a say in the time or place. 

It may also be possible that since your income is only benefits you can apply for a funeral grant but today that might only pay for a basic cremation. Again the funeral directors can send bills to any banks that hold funds, and then you top up from the grant.

Remove any personal items from his home, return the keys and let the housing provider clear it. They will try to pressure you to take responsibility but you are not liable for clearing his home. Sad as this may seem. 

Meanwhile, I wish things were different and hope you have someone who can support you through this difficult time.

@RAS
Thanks for the information. Are you aware of the legislation that I can quote when they try to advise me it's my responsibility to clear the flat? 
I'm guessing they can claim from his estate (there won't be one...) but personally, I am not liable?

MEM62

Sorry for your loss.

Billy_Dandy said:

RAS said:

Really sorry for your loss. Please take things slowly.

Your son apparently died intestate and possibly insolvent. In which case you do as little as necessary.

If you can access keys, you can check his home for evidence of bank and savings accounts and ascertain if there is any money in those accounts. Speak to the bereavement team.  That money could be used towards a funeral as long as the funeral directors bill the banks directly. Obviously they need to know this before they organise anything.

Since you do not have the funds to pay for a funeral, if those funds aren't sufficient, your son is entitled to a "public health funeral", organised by the hospital or the local council. This will be basic but you are entitled to know when and where it takes place and to attend. Although you won't have a say in the time or place. 

It may also be possible that since your income is only benefits you can apply for a funeral grant but today that might only pay for a basic cremation. Again the funeral directors can send bills to any banks that hold funds, and then you top up from the grant.

Remove any personal items from his home, return the keys and let the housing provider clear it. They will try to pressure you to take responsibility but you are not liable for clearing his home. Sad as this may seem. 

Meanwhile, I wish things were different and hope you have someone who can support you through this difficult time.

@RAS
Thanks for the information. Are you aware of the legislation that I can quote when they try to advise me it's my responsibility to clear the flat? 
I'm guessing they can claim from his estate (there won't be one...) but personally, I am not liable?

In this case legislation does not work that way.  It does not say what you are not responsible for, it can only state what you are responsible for and there is nothing to say that you are responsible for your son's tenancy - you are not a party to it.  When they try to claim that is is your responsibility to clear and clean the flat just tell them that they are incorrect.  

Billy_Dandy

@MEM62

Thanks for that info. Much appreciated.