Dad died, what help can my mum get?

rarees1

Her capital will not prevent her from receiving the payment of £2,500 or the monthly £100 payments for 18 months, however she will not be eligible to any means tested benefits. If no one else lives with her she should inform the local authority so that she receives a single person discount of 25% off her Council Tax bill.

If your father was claiming a disability benefit that enabled her to claim Carer's Allowance, that will continue to be paid for 8 weeks.  If he was but she didn't apply for Carer's Allowance, she may still be able to apply and ask for it to be backdated up to 3 months.  I am a welfare benefits adviser and in a former role this was something that I did quite a few times to ensure the surviving spouse received all the benefits they could.  I work with a different client group now so I'm not sure if this may have changed but it's worth checking up for 20 weeks of money at £81.90pw.

It's also time to consider her own health and whether she might qualify for Personal Independence Payment.  Carers frequently are under great strain that can take a toll on their own bodies and minds.

missile

rarees1 said:

Her capital will not prevent her from receiving the payment of £2,500 or the monthly £100 payments for 18 months

See here for details and how to apply Bereavement Support Payment: How it works - GOV.UK