Timeline and Plan for Financial Matters After a Loved One Dies

Michelle McDermott from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) shares practical steps to help families manage financial matters after a bereavement.

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. The emotional weight of grief is often compounded by the sudden financial responsibilities that follow. This is where the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) can make a real difference. MABS offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental advice to help individuals and families navigate the financial stress that can accompany bereavement.

Whether it’s prioritising urgent expenses, understanding entitlements and supports, or negotiating with creditors, MABS is here to provide practical guidance during an already challenging time.

General Timeline for Addressing Financial Matters

Immediately After Death

• Notify family and friends.
• Contact a funeral director to arrange the funeral (coffin, church or cremation service, etc.).
• Be prepared for a deposit or part payment for funeral expenses.

Within 3–5 Days

• Secure the property to prevent unauthorised entry.
• If the property remains in use, ensure bills such as utilities, mortgage/rent, and insurance premiums are paid as they fall due.

Following the Funeral

• Notify financial institutions of the death. Accounts will likely be frozen, but withdrawals may be allowed for funeral expenses.
• Contact the Department of Social Protection to stop any social welfare payments. Overpayments must be returned.

In the Weeks and Months After

• Register the death within 3 months and obtain a Death Certificate from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
• The executor (if there is a Will) or administrator (if there is no Will) begins gathering details of the estate:
  • Identify assets and liabilities.
  • Contact banks, credit unions, insurance providers, and Revenue Commissioners.
• Apply for Grant of Representation (Probate) or Letters of Administration. A solicitor often assists with this process.
• Pay essential bills (utilities, mortgage) from the estate or personally if necessary.
• Non-essential debts (credit cards, unsecured loans) do not need immediate payment.
• Consider applying for financial supports such as:
  • Additional Needs Payment
  • Widowed/Surviving Civil Partner Grant
    (MABS can help with these applications.)

Over the Following 1–3 Months

• Executor/administrator works to finalise the estate. This can take time due to legal and financial complexities.
• Costs associated with estate administration should be paid from the estate in this order:
  1. Executor costs
  2. Funeral and related expenses
  3. Secured debts (e.g., mortgage)
  4. Revenue debts (income tax, Capital Gains Tax)
  5. Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) deferred payment (if applicable)
  6. Social welfare overpayments
  7. Unsecured debts (credit cards, loans, utilities)
• Only after all creditors are cleared can assets be distributed according to the Will.

Important Note

Executors/administrators have a legal duty to prioritise creditors before distributing assets. Failure to do so can result in personal liability. Seek professional legal or financial advice during estate administration.
MABS can assist with creditor engagement and help reduce stress during this process.

Summary Table: Typical Costs and Timeframes

Need Help?

Contact MABS for free, confidential advice on managing finances after a bereavement.
Visit: www.mabs.ie