Losing someone close to you is one of life’s hardest experiences. Alongside the emotional pain, you might also be facing new financial worries, especially if your partner was the main earner or the one who managed the family finances.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at this time. The good news is that there is help available, and there are steps you can take to ease the financial strain.

1. Give yourself time and seek support

Grieving takes time, and dealing with money matters might be the last thing you feel able to do right now. Try not to make any big financial decisions straight away. Focus first on essential costs like rent, food, and bills.

If you need emotional or practical support, you can contact Ben’s free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online. We’re here to listen and help you find a way forward.

2. Check for life insurance or other policies

If your loved one had a life insurance policy, you might be entitled to a payout. This could provide vital financial help during this time.

Where to look:

  • Check their will or any financial documents for insurance details.
  • Go through bank statements for regular insurance payments.
  • Contact their employer, solicitor, or accountant, they may hold information about workplace policies or group insurance schemes.
  • Use a website such as Home | Gretel for missing policies, pensions, savings and investments. This is a free service. It is estimated that there is around £1 billion in unclaimed life policies in the UK.

3. Understanding funeral costs and your options

Funerals can be expensive, with the average UK cost now around £4,000 (not including extras like flowers or catering). But there are ways to manage and even reduce these costs.

Option

Details

Cost-saving tip

Funeral plan

Check if your loved one had already arranged or paid for their funeral.

Contact the plan provider or the estate executor.

Paying from the estate

Funeral costs are often covered before other debts.

The executor can pay the funeral bill if there are funds available.

DWP Funeral Expenses Payment

Available if you’re on certain benefits.

Apply via GOV.UK – Funeral Expenses Payment.

Direct cremation or burial

No ceremony or procession.

Often the lowest-cost option; a memorial can be held later.

💡 Additional tips:

  • Ask several funeral directors for itemised quotes before deciding.
  • Check that they are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
  • Only sign a contract once you’re sure about costs and how they’ll be covered.

If you’d like to talk through your options, Ben’s team can help you understand what’s affordable and what support you might be entitled to.

4. Support with debt and money worries

Support with debt and money worries

If you find yourself struggling with bills or debts after a bereavement, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face it in silence.

Steps to take:

  1. Don’t ignore letters or calls, most lenders will have bereavement teams who can pause or adjust payments.
  2. List all debts and priorities, starting with essentials like rent, council tax, and utilities.
  3. Seek free advice early. Visit our debt support page or contact us directly, we can help you make a realistic plan.
  4. Check if you can claim benefits or financial support

You may be entitled to government benefits or discounts that help ease day-to-day costs.

Type of Support

Who Can Claim

What It Offers

Bereavement Support Payment

If your husband, wife, or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017 and they paid National Insurance for at least 25 weeks.

A one-off lump sum and up to 18 monthly payments.

Council Tax Reduction

If you now live alone.

25% discount on your council tax bill.

Universal Credit / Income Support

If your income is below a certain level.

Ongoing financial support depending on your circumstances.

Energy help

If you live alone, consider tariffs for low usage.

Compare plans via Uswitch.

If you’ve worked in the automotive industry (or were dependent on someone who did), Ben can help you check what extra benefits or grants you may be entitled to.

6. Review your finances and make a new budget

When circumstances change, it’s helpful to take another look at your income and spending.

Start by listing your regular expenses, such as rent, bills, food, and transport, then see where adjustments can be made.

Ben offers a budget planner and step-by-step guide to managing your money, which can help you feel more in control again. Even small changes, like switching energy suppliers or cancelling unused subscriptions, can make a difference.

7. Look after yourself

Grief affects every part of life, including your ability to focus and make decisions. Be kind to yourself and reach out for help when you need it. Talking to trusted friends, family, or a counsellor can really help ease the emotional load.

And remember, you don’t have to handle financial worries alone.

Ben’s helpline: 08081 311 333
Chat online: Ben.org.uk

We’re here to support you, emotionally, practically, and financially, for as long as you need.

Summary: Key Things to Check

Step

Action

Life insurance

Look for policies and unclaimed assets.

Funeral help

Check DWP support and cost-saving options.

Benefits

Explore Bereavement Support Payment and council tax discounts.

Debts

Contact lenders early and ask for help.

Budget

Review your finances and create a new spending plan.

Support

Reach out to Ben for free advice and emotional support.

Useful links

Unclaimed Asset Register – search for unclaimed life insurance, pensions and savings that could help after a bereavement:
https://www.uar.co.uk/

Bereavement Support Payment guidance from GOV.UK – official info on claiming bereavement benefits:
https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Income Support information on GOV.UK – benefits support if your income is low:
https://www.gov.uk/income-support

Universal Credit information on GOV.UK – details on this integrated benefit system:
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Funeral expenses support (DWP) on GOV.UK – help paying for funeral costs:
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Beyond Life – funeral price comparison and guidance:
https://beyond.life/

Your Funeral Choice – information and planning support for funerals:
https://www.yourfuneralchoice.com/

MoneyHelper (formerly Money Advice Service) – practical financial guidance, including organising affairs after a death:
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/