When a loved one dies...

It's tough enough without financial stress too. Find out who to tell, funeral organising, dealing with the estate. This helpful Dealing with death checklist is designed to ease the load of bureaucratic and financial issues. Here's a glimpse...

• Look after yourself and your family first. Get extra support and grief counselling if necessary.
• If they lived alone, check the property's secure and cancel any daily milk and papers.
• Check if you're entitled to extra cash, incl bereavement allowance & special benefits.
• Ask others to help organise the funeral and get quotes, plus get help with funeral costs.
• If they were the sole owners of any pets, ensure they're looked after.
• Don't feel pressured into spending more on unwanted extras. See funeral director tips.
• Use our key contacts checklist for who to notify, incl utilities, insurance, tax, banks & more.
• If you're sorting their finances you may need a 'grant' to gain access. See tips to help in dealing with the estate.