Financial Advice for the Recently Bereaved
I’ve lost someone close to me and need help managing their finances…
When someone close to you dies, it feels as though life has come to a standstill. But the world continues to move around you, and you’re expected to make important decisions about finances before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath. We take some of that weight off your shoulders by helping you understand what needs to be done, when to do it, and who to speak to.
Financial Advice for the Recently Bereaved
I’ve lost someone close to me and need help managing their finances…
When someone close to you dies, it feels as though life has come to a standstill. But the world continues to move around you, and you’re expected to make important decisions about finances before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath. We take some of that weight off your shoulders by helping you understand what needs to be done, when to do it, and who to speak to.
How the process works
We provide independent financial advice for the recently bereaved across Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Here’s how we can help you manage money after the death of your loved one:
Making sense of your loved one’s estate
We start by helping you understand which financial matters need to be addressed first and break things down into manageable steps so that nothing feels too overwhelming. This might include:
- Identifying the assets and debts your loved one left behind and gathering the necessary paperwork
- Liaising with executors, solicitors, and probate professionals to help the process move forward smoothly
- Explaining each stage of estate administration, so you know what to expect and which decisions need to be made
Regardless of the size and complexity of your loved one’s estate, we’ll help you regain a sense of control and make decisions that feel right for you.
Understanding bereavement benefits
After your loved one has passed, you may be entitled to some financial support from the government. The system can be confusing, but we’ll help you understand which support is available to you.
Common bereavement benefits include:
- Amount: £2,500–£3,500 lump sum + up to 18 monthly payments of £100–£350
- Eligibility: If your spouse or civil partner died in the last 21 months
- Deadline: Must apply within 3 12 months of the death to receive full payment
- Amount: Varies – typically covers reasonable costs.
- Eligibility: If you’re on qualifying benefits and responsible for funeral costs.
- Deadline: Claim as soon as possible.
We’ll also explain how claiming bereavement support payments could affect any other benefits you receive, and signpost you to official GOV.UK tools to double-check your entitlements.
Budgeting and rebuilding
Managing money after the death of a loved one often means adapting to a new financial reality. But it’s not just about money; it’s about rebuilding your sense of stability during a time of uncertainty.
We’ll help you:
- Create a revised household budget based on your new income and expenses
- Plan how to use or protect any inheritance you’ve received
- Assess your future needs, such as retirement income or care costs
- Revisit your own financial plan, including your wills and protection policies
“My husband died in 2001 and for me it was a huge learning curve having to deal with the financial aspects of life! With the help of Louise Oliver and the team I feel confident in the future for myself and the family. We are dealt with as one family unit and have benefited greatly from their expertise.”
Jenny Bullock
Tailored bereavement financial planning in Cheltenham
“My husband died in 2001 and for me it was a huge learning curve having to deal with the financial aspects of life! With the help of Louise Oliver and the team I feel confident in the future for myself and the family. We are dealt with as one family unit and have benefited greatly from their expertise.”
Jenny Bullock
Tailored bereavement financial planning in Cheltenham
Did you know…
56%
of UK adults have not written a will
~ Money & Pensions Service
£3,500
is the highest Bereavement Support Payment lump sum available.
~ Department for Work & Pensions
61%
of adults struggle with administrative tasks following bereavement
~ The UK Commission on Bereavement
Did you know…
56%
of UK adults have not written a will
~ Money & Pensions Service
£3,500
is the highest Bereavement Support Payment lump sum available.
~ Department for Work & Pensions
61%
of adults struggle with administrative tasks following bereavement
~ The UK Commission on Bereavement
Why choose Piercefield Oliver?
At Piercefield Oliver, we’re dedicated to helping individuals across Cheltenham and the Cotswolds cope with the financial consequences of losing a loved one. From explaining how to access joint accounts and close financial products, to advising on pensions and tax implications, we offer expert bereavement financial advice to help you move forward at your own pace.
Whether you’ve lost a partner, parent, or another loved one, we’ll tailor our advice to your specific needs with no pressure and no jargon. Our team can also work alongside your solicitor or appointed executor to ensure that all your financial, legal, and tax matters are covered, helping to make everything feel just a little bit more manageable.
We’ll be here for you during one of the darkest and most difficult times of your life; offering a helping hand whenever you need it.
Book your free consultation with a local bereavement expert
Click the button below to book your free consultation with one of our bereavement financial advisers in Cheltenham.
Book your free consultation with a local bereavement expert
Click the button below to book your free consultation with one of our bereavement financial advisers in Cheltenham.
Prefer to get in touch directly?
Fill in the form below and let us know a little bit about your current situation. We’ll get back to you ASAP to talk through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bereavement Support Payment is a government benefit that is paid to eligible spouses or civil partners after the death of a loved one. It includes a lump sum and monthly payments for up to 18 months.
If you’re eligible for bereavement support, you could receive up to £3,500 as a lump sum and up to £350 per month for 18 months.
You must apply for Bereavement Support Payment within three months of your loved one’s death to receive the full amount. If you put in a later claim, you may still receive partial support.
It all depends on the type of pension or accounts that your loved one held. We can help you contact providers, assess beneficiaries, and understand any tax implications that come with withdrawal.
In most cases, the executor or next of kin is responsible for contacting the relevant authorities after their loved one dies. We can help you work through the government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service and contact all necessary financial institutions, making sure that all necessary steps are taken to avoid any delays.