Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about accessing money from the estate of someone who has died.
What is the ‘Estate’?
The ‘Estate’ is everything owned by a person who has died. This could be made up of money held in cash or accounts, money owed to a person who has died, any shares and investments, property and personal belongings of value (for example their car or jewellery).
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they have died. It is not always needed, and you can check with any financial institutions (for example banks or mortgage companies) to find out whether probate will be needed to access their assets. Each organisation has its own rules and policies.
You can find more information about probate, and how to apply for it, on the gov.uk website.
Do funeral costs come out of the estate?
Yes, funeral expenses can be paid from the deceased person's estate and are often the highest priority except for some secured debts such as mortgages. The executor or administrator of the estate (who is responsible for managing the deceased person's affairs) can use the deceased person's assets, such as bank accounts or property, to cover funeral costs.
Funds from someone’s property, for example, may require a grant of probate before they can be released.
Can I use the deceased person's bank account to pay for their funeral?
Any money left by the person who died must be used to pay towards the cost of their funeral, before any rent, utilities etc. are paid. The only exception to this is where they left any secured loans (such as a mortgage), in which case these must be paid first. If, after this, there is insufficient money or assets in the estate to pay off any debts, then they would be paid in priority order until the money or assets run out. Any remaining debts should be written off.
To release money from a bank account, you can take a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the funeral bill to the bank. Many banks will release the money directly to the funeral director (if you are using one). There is no need to wait for probate.
I only have an interim death certificate, will the bank accept this?
Many banks will accept interim death certificates, coroner’s certificates, and non-UK death certificates that have been translated into English to release money for funeral expenses. Check with the bank whether they can accept an interim certificate and what other documents, such as proof of identification, they need.
How can I pay for a funeral before probate?
If there is money in the deceased person's accounts, you can usually get the bank to release the money directly to the funeral director. Take the death certificate and funeral invoice to a branch of the bank and they can pay the funeral director directly. If you cannot attend a branch, most banks are now able to do this online. There is no need to wait for probate.
Does life insurance pay for a funeral?
Yes, life insurance payouts can be used to help cover funeral costs. A lump sum paid out upon death can be used by beneficiaries to pay for funeral expenses although it doesn't have to be used in this way.
Please see our Money from the deceased person's estate guide more detailed information.
For answers to common questions about other ways to raise money towards funeral costs, and other topics, you can return to the main FAQ menu.
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