<p><i>Grief following the death of a family member can affect people in many different ways. </i></p><p>One practical consequence may be a reduction in household income, which can add financial strain to an already difficult time.</p><p>In the midst of bereavement, it can be hard to focus on practical matters—especially if the deceased was the one who managed the family finances. Dealing with outstanding debts may feel overwhelming, but the following guidance is designed to simplify the process and offer practical support.</p><h3>Understanding Probate and Estate Management</h3><p>When someone dies, their estate enters a legal process called probate. This process is managed by a representative:</p><ul><li>An executor (if there is a will)</li><li>An administrator (if there is no will – known as intestate)</li></ul><p>This person is responsible for preparing an inventory of the deceased’s assets and debts.</p><h3>Identifying the Estate and Gathering Financial Documents</h3><p>An estate includes:</p><ul><li>All monies, bank accounts, investments, pensions, policies, and properties (solely or jointly owned)</li><li>Liabilities such as mortgages, loans, and household bills (e.g. utilities in the deceased’s name)</li></ul><p>If utility bills or tenancy agreements were solely in the deceased’s name, addressing these promptly helps ensure continuity of supply and the family’s right to remain in the home.</p><p><strong>Support is available:</strong><br />The Money Advice &amp; Budgeting Service (MABS) offers free and confidential guidance: <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/">www.MABS.ie</a></p><h3>Requesting Information on the Deceased’s Assets and Liabilities</h3><p>Creditors must be informed of the death. They may request:</p><ul><li>A copy of the death certificate</li><li>Proof of relationship to the deceased</li></ul><p>Important note:<br />GDPR does not apply to the records of a deceased person, so access cannot be granted under this legislation.</p><p>However, the Data Protection Commissioner may accept requests under Freedom of Information (FOI). These must be:</p><ul><li>Made in writing</li><li>Accompanied by proof of relationship to the deceased</li></ul><p>More information: <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/how-government-works/standards-and-accountability/freedom-of-information/">Freedom of Information – Citizens Information</a></p><h3>Paying Debts from the Estate</h3><p>The estate is responsible for settling the deceased’s debts. Typically, the following are paid first:</p><ul><li>Funeral expenses</li><li>Testamentary and related costs</li></ul><p>If the estate has sufficient funds or assets, debts are paid before any inheritance is distributed.</p><p>Special considerations:</p><ul><li>Credit Union deposits under €27,000 can pass to a nominated person without forming part of the estate.</li><li>Joint accounts may also bypass the estate.</li><li>Credit Union debts may be covered under their insurance scheme.</li></ul><p>If the estate is solvent but insufficient, a legal hierarchy determines which debts are paid first.</p><p>If there are no assets, the estate is considered insolvent, and the debts may go unpaid.</p><h3>Types of Debts</h3><h4>Secured Debts (e.g. Mortgage on the Family Home)</h4><p>Mortgage repayments must continue unless mortgage protection insurance or life cover is in place.</p><p>A mortgaged property may need to be sold if:</p><ul><li>No mortgage protection/life cover exists</li><li>The estate lacks sufficient funds</li><li>The family cannot afford repayments</li><li>The mortgage cannot be paid off in full</li><li>The family cannot refinance the mortgage</li></ul><h4>Preferential Debts</h4><p>These include:</p><ul><li>Taxes</li><li>Social insurance</li><li>Debts owed to the state at the time of death</li></ul><h4>Secondary or Unsecured Debts</h4><p>Examples include:</p><ul><li>Credit cards</li><li>Personal loans</li><li>Medical bills</li></ul><p>If the estate lacks sufficient funds:</p><ul><li>These debts may go unpaid</li><li>Creditors may write off the debts or attempt to collect from the estate</li><li>Creditors cannot pursue family members unless the debts were co-signed or guaranteed</li></ul><h4>Joint or Guaranteed Debts</h4><p>Debts in joint names or those that were guaranteed remain the responsibility of the surviving party or guarantor. They may be liable for the full balance.</p><h3>Inheritance and Creditors</h3><p>If a family member receives an inheritance, creditors may attempt to claim against it to settle outstanding debts.</p><h4>Inheriting Debts</h4><p>If the inheritance is less than the value of the deceased’s debts:</p><ul><li>You may not be responsible for those debts</li><li>This applies if the debts were solely in the deceased’s name and not co-signed or guaranteed</li></ul><h3>Legal Advice</h3><p>Legal advice is essential—especially in complex cases. Professional guidance can help ensure the estate is managed correctly and fairly.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The deceased’s estate is responsible for paying their debts, unless those debts were co-signed or guaranteed by someone else.</p><p>If the estate can cover the debts, they are paid. If not, creditors may not be able to collect, and the debts may go unpaid.</p><h3>Links and Resources</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/">www.MABS.ie</a></li><li><a href="www.CIC.ie">www.CIC.ie</a></li><li><a href="http://www.FLAC.ie">www.FLAC.ie</a></li></ul>

Dealing_with_the_Debts_of_a_Deceased_Family_Member_26394e1eca1a36d392131d70f51616723f87b7675ab4e6ac.png

Dealing with the Debts of a Deceased Family Member

<p><i>Grief is a difficult and lonely time. </i></p><p>Having a change in your financial circumstances adds an additional layer of distress. Like grief, everyone’s financial experience is unique. You may find yourself with a reduced income and are struggling to manage your day-to-day living expenses and financial obligations.</p><p>It can be difficult to manage without assistance. <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/">MABS</a> are here to help you deal with your new financial situation. MABS is the Irish Money Advice Service. For over 30 years, we have supported people with money advice, budgeting and debt.</p><ul><li>Our service is free of charge; you can get impartial advice from MABS to help you manage your money.</li><li>We offer support over the telephone, face to face and virtually.</li><li>We have 60 offices located around Ireland. Many regions operate outreach services to cover rural areas.</li></ul><p>In addition, there is the MABS National Helpline, open from 09:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday.</p><h3>Taking Steps to Maximise Your Income</h3><h4>Step 1: Check Your Social Welfare Entitlements</h4><p>The Department of Social Protection has different benefits and entitlements during this difficult period.</p><p>You may be entitled to:</p><ul><li>One-Parent Family Payment – a means-tested payment payable if you have a child under 7</li><li>Working Family Payment</li><li>Household Budget Scheme</li><li>Medical Card</li><li>Fuel Allowance</li></ul><p>Everyone’s entitlements are unique and subject to means testing. An Information Officer in your local<a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/"> Citizens Information Service</a> can assist you to check any possible entitlement.</p><p>If you have a child, you may be entitled to the Bereaved Parent Grant. It is a once-off payment and is also means tested.</p><p>You may be entitled to get help with the cost of the funeral or paying your rent if you are struggling. Your local Community Welfare Officer deals with some of these payments.</p><h4>Step 2: Notify the Department of Social Protection</h4><p>If your loved one was receiving social welfare, notify the Department. In some circumstances, social welfare payments will continue to be paid to the spouse, civil partner, carer or cohabitant who died for 6 weeks after their death, depending on qualifying criteria.<br />See <a href="www.gov.ie">www.gov.ie</a></p><p>Contact Revenue and tell them your situation, so they can ensure you are getting the correct tax credits.</p><h4>Step 3: Managing Debts Left Behind</h4><p>You may be concerned about your loved one leaving behind debts that have to be repaid. MABS can assist you with this.</p><p>If you have taken out a mortgage with your loved one who has died, check if the borrowing is covered by mortgage protection insurance/life insurance.</p><ul><li>If it is not covered, continue to repay the mortgage.</li><li>If you have difficulty in making these payments, talk to your mortgage provider.</li><li>You can also contact MABS for support.</li></ul><h4>Step 4: Contact Financial Institutions and Insurers</h4><p>Contact your:</p><ul><li>Bank</li><li>Credit Union</li><li>An Post</li></ul><p>Some banks have dedicated Bereavement Support Teams.</p><p>Check your insurances:</p><ul><li>Contact your insurance company</li><li>Check all insurance policies you have, or that your loved one had</li></ul><p><i>For more, visit </i><a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/"><i>MABS.ie</i></a></p>

Navigating_Finances_after_a_Loss_aac8e394c0339c7aff324c1f0feca9e22c5900cf8bcc6a39.png

Navigating Finances after a Loss

<p>When a person dies after spending the final months or years in a nursing home, there may be a debt to the nursing home which will be due for payment.</p><p>These outstanding debts may cause stress for spouses, children and family members of the deceased. The following is a short guide to the way nursing home debts are treated in Ireland.<br />If in doubt, get independent legal and financial advice.</p><h3>Responsibility for Nursing Home Debt</h3><p>In Ireland, nursing home debt is the responsibility of the deceased's estate and is paid after their death by their personal representative (executor or administrator).</p><p>If the deceased was in the <a href="https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/about/">Fair Deal Scheme</a>, any outstanding loan facility from the HSE must be repaid from the estate (funded by the sale of the deceased’s property), usually:</p><ul><li>Within 12 months of death, or</li><li>Within 6 months if the home was sold (prior to passing away) or transferred.</li></ul><p>Nursing homes and the HSE can claim unpaid fees from the estate. If the estate is insolvent (has insufficient assets), these debts may go unpaid.</p><h4>The Deceased's Estate is Responsible for Outstanding Debts</h4><ul><li>Personal Representative: The executor (if there was a will) or administrator (if there was no will – known as dying intestate) will gather all the assets of the deceased.</li><li>Insolvent Estate: If the estate's assets aren't enough to cover the funeral expenses, administration costs, and debts, it is considered insolvent.</li><li>No Obligation for Children: Children of the deceased are not typically obligated to pay nursing home debts unless they were a guarantor for the debt or the debt was in their name as well. If the estate is insufficient to cover debts, the beneficiaries typically do not have to pay them personally.</li></ul><h4>Fair Deal Scheme and Loan Repayment</h4><ul><li>Loan Postponement: Under the Fair Deal Scheme, the HSE pays nursing home fees, and a loan can be taken out based on assets like property, with repayment postponed until after the person's death.</li><li>Repayment Timeline: This loan must be repaid within 12 months of the person's death, or within 6 months if their property is sold or transferred at any point.</li><li>Interest: If the loan is not repaid by the due date, interest will be charged from the date of death.</li></ul><h4>Process of Paying Debts</h4><ol><li>Funeral and Administration Expenses: The first priority is to pay for the funeral and the expenses of managing the estate.</li><li>Preferential Debts: Next are preferential debts like taxes.</li><li>Ordinary Debts: Finally, other ordinary debts, such as nursing home fees and other unsecured debts (like credit cards and loans), are paid from any remaining assets.</li></ol><h4>If There Are No Assets</h4><ul><li>If the deceased has no assets, the debts cannot be paid, and the creditors will likely have to write off the debt.</li><li>The HSE and other creditors cannot claim the debt from the family of the deceased unless they are legally responsible for it.</li></ul><h3>What You Should Do</h3><ul><li>Contact the Executor/Administrator: If you are a family member, you should contact the personal representative to understand the estate's financial status.</li><li>Contact the Nursing Home: They will have details of any outstanding debts owing or that may not have been covered by the Fair Deal if the deceased was in the scheme.</li><li>Contact the HSE: If you are unsure about the Fair Deal loan or the outstanding fees, contact the Health Service Executive (HSE) for clarity.</li><li>Contact <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/">MABS</a>: For further information, MABS – The Money Advice and Budgeting Service.</li><li>Fair Deal: <a href="https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/about/">About the Fair Deal scheme.</a></li></ul><p> </p>

What_Happens_to_Nursing_Home_Debts_After_a_Person_Passes_Away_9c1fd2f811983931bad894e4a891eb5ab87321f8b001ab77.png

What Happens to Nursing Home Debts After a Person Passes Away

Antrim

Armagh

Carlow

Cavan

Clare

Cork

Derry

Donegal

Down

Dublin

Fermanagh

Galway

Kerry

Kildare

Kilkenny

Laois

Leitrim

Limerick

Longford

Louth

Mayo

Meath

Monaghan

Offaly

Roscommon

Sligo

Tipperary

Tyrone

Waterford

Westmeath

Wexford

Wicklow

Condolence Books - Printed and Bound

RecaptureOne - QR Coded Memory Plaques

Mini Condolence Books - Printed and Bound

RIP.ie Sympathy cards

RIP.ie Acknowledgement cards

Condolence Book for Home Printing

Ogham Wishes

Angel Ornaments & Keepsake Boxes

RIP.ie Sympathy Christmas Card

Pressed Flowers with Verse / Photo

Religious & Spiritual

Hand-carved Celtic Wall Hangings

Mounted Prints

Hand-carved in Ireland, each wooden piece has its own unique & poignant significance.

Hand-crafted Angel pieces that capture those sentiments that we most want to express.

Condolence Book Cover & Presentation Box - for Home Printing