Mum passed away...advisr

Hi mcguire,
I can appreciate what a terrible time you must be having, and I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is very difficult.
First some practical things. Someone will need to register the death. Normally when this happens the Registrar will contact DWP via the 'tell us once scheme' this should stop further payments of pension and any other benefits. This is important to do to avoid overpayment. However you should check to make sure this is done.
www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies
You might find this link helpful
The size of your Mum's Estate (all her possessions) and whether there are any other relatives may affect how you manage everything.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j...vBQAuMEF0UZSim3ZIbdZ
This website deals with what happens if there is no will.

If there is no other relative, maybe a friend could help. Someone will need to be the Administrator for your Mum's Estate. This does not happen automatically. If there is a lot of money or property or indeed other relatives who could be entitled to receive money ir property then you might need specialist advice from a Solicitor who specialises in Probate Work. You might be able to find someone to help at a local law centre. Otherwise a solicitor will probably charge. You can hire a solicitor to administer the whole Estate. Again this is likely to be expensive.

You may need to pay inheritance if there is a great deal of money involved.

You can be an executor (the correct name is Administrator when there is no will,) whilst on benefits. Providing you have the ability to fill out forms and sort everything out, then you can do this.

Inheriting a house or money could have an effect on means tested benefits, but should not affect contributions based benefits. That said if significant amounts of money are involved it is always best to seek a new benefits check from a welfare benefits advisor to make sure this is correct and nothing has been missed.

I'm sorry I can't offer any more help, but this is rather a complex area of area of law and it is crucial you get specialist advice.

I hope that you can find comfort and the next few days are not too difficult.
Wishing you all the best.
LL26

Hi mcguire,
If you follow the steps in the 2 links I previously sent this should bring up the relevant forms.
I know the forms are a bit tedious, but if the Estate is very small and there is no property, very little cash and only basic chattels then this should make the forms easier- especially if no tax is payable or has to be calculated. But the downside is that the forms do need to be filled in. Maybe have a look at the forms and decide if you feel competent filling them in. It maybe that you could fill these in and get them checked. Alternatively sit down with a friend.
If you are the nearest relative then you can choose to appoint someone else.
www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate/if-theres-not-a-will
I hope this helps.
LL26