Bereavement support
At OneFamily, we understand the impact losing a loved one can have and recognise that bereavement affects everyone in different ways.
That's why we're here to answer any questions you may have about an account or policy.
There may be other things we can do, for example if your loss has affected you financially, so please do get in touch with us, using the information below, and we'll find the best option for you.
Practical Things to Think About:
- Registering the death – This is usually done at your local registry office within a few days. For information on this, please visit: www.gov.uk/register-a-death.
- Arranging the funeral – Funeral directors can guide you through options and costs. For Over 50’s Policies with us, please check with us to see if there is a Funeral Funding Feature attached.
- Notifying organisations – Banks, insurers, utility companies, and government departments may need to be informed. Tell Us Once service through the government can help notify companies. Please know, there may be companies you may need to contact directly. To find this, please visit: What to do after someone dies: Tell Us Once - GOV.UK.
- Managing finances – Consider reviewing household bills, pensions, and benefits. Citizens Advice can help discuss your situation and support you.
- Legal matters – If there is a will, the executor will handle probate. If not, intestacy rules apply. Depending on the type of policies, this may mean you need to apply for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. This will be done through the government website: Applying for probate: What is probate - GOV.UK. Please know, each company will have different requirements. We can explain how this impacts the claim with OneFamily if needed.
Emotional and Personal Support:
Grief affects everyone differently. You don’t have to go through it alone.
- Family and friends – Lean on those close to you for support.
- Bereavement charities – Organisations offer free guidance and counselling.
- GP or health services – Your doctor can connect you with local counselling or support groups.
You might be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment
If you've recently lost a partner, you may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment from the government.
Up until recently, only couples who were married or in a civil partnership could make a claim for Bereavement Support when their partner died. A change in the law opened up the scheme to unmarried parents who had been living together.
Find out more about Bereavement Support Payment, including how to claim, and how the law has changed.
If the payout won’t cover funeral costs:
- Consider payment plans: Many funeral directors offer staged payments or simpler service options. This will depend on each funeral director and will need to be discussed with them.
- Check other support: Some charities and local services provide grants or advice for funeral expenses.
- Review finances safely: Avoid pressure decisions and speak to your funeral director about your concerns to make sure they do the best option for you.
OneFamily will be transparent about the amount, when it will be paid, and any factors affecting it.
Support groups and charities
- Cruse Bereavement Support - Free helpline and counselling services
- Marie Curie Bereavement Support – Emotional support and practical advice
- Citizens Advice – Guidance on financial and legal matters.
- Way - Support for anyone aged 50 or under when their partner died.
- Child Bereavement UK - Supports families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies
- Ruth Strauss Foundation - Emotional support for families to prepare for the death of a parent
Common questions
Helpful words:
- Executor: The person named in a will to deal with the estate.
- Probate: The legal process of proving a will and distributing the estate.
- Intestacy: The rules that apply if someone dies without a will.
- Beneficiary: The person(s) who receive the policy payout, if named on the policy.
- Estate: Everything a person owns at the time of their death, including property, money, and possessions.
- Moratorium period: If the policy holder dies within the first two years other than by accident, the estate will receive a sum equal to 150% of premiums paid in.