How do I tell you about a bereavement?
We understand there is a lot to deal with when going through a bereavement. At Ecology, we will support you as much as we can and help to make the process with us as straightforward as possible. We will need to ask you for some information and documents.
Please call or email as soon as you can. We will explain what happens next, and you can ask us any questions.
If you are experiencing grief, there are specialist organisations that will be able to support you emotionally during this time, including:
Cruse Bereavement Support
Receive support online or over the phone from the specialist bereavement charity Cruse Bereavement Support.
Phone: 0808 808 1677
Get support
UK Government
Practical step-by-step guidance on what to do after a death is provided by the UK Government, including registering the death, notifying the government and dealing with the estate.
Check what to do step-by-step
Citizens Advice
Further advice and information about what to do after a death is available from the independent charity Citizens Advice.
Check what to do after death
Jargon buster
- Administrator – A person responsible for handling the estate of someone who died without a will. This is usually the main beneficiary and is determined by legal rules.
- Beneficiary – Someone who receives an inheritance. If there’s a will, the beneficiaries are chosen by the deceased. Without a will, the rules of intestacy decide.
- Estate – Everything a person owned when they died, such as property, money, savings, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings.
- Estate Administration – The process of managing a deceased person’s estate. This includes valuing the estate, paying debts and taxes, closing accounts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
- Executor – A person named in a will to manage the deceased’s estate. They go through probate and handle estate administration. Executors can choose to step down.
- Grant of Letters of Administration – A legal document that allows an administrator to manage the estate when there is no will.
- Grant of Probate – A legal document that allows an executor to manage the estate when there is a will.
- Grant of Representation – A term covering both the Grant of Probate and the Grant of Letters of Administration.
- Intestate – When someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy.
- Personal representative – A term for both executors and administrators.
- Probate – A legal process to get permission to manage a deceased person’s Estate. Executors or Administrators apply for this, depending on whether there’s a Will. It’s not always needed and depends on the Estate’s value and assets.
- Probate Registry – A court service that processes applications for a Grant of Representation.
- Renunciation – When an executor formally steps down from their role.
- Rules of Intestacy – Laws that determine who inherits when someone dies without a will, prioritising next of kin.
- Small Estate – An estate valued below the probate threshold. In this case, probate might not be needed.
We understand that dementia can bring unique challenges for individuals and their families. We’re here to support you and to help make managing your finances as simple as possible. Below are some frequently asked questions and ways we can help.
What should I do if I or a loved one needs help managing finances?
If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, we can help you make managing finances simpler. You can ask us to:
- Set up joint accounts or Power of Attorney access for trusted family members or friends.
- Help you understand how Powers of Attorney work and how they can be applied to accounts.
We will explain everything clearly and ensure your preferences are respected.
Can I appoint someone to help manage my account?
Yes. If you’re ready to appoint someone to manage your account, we can help you register a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or other legal authority. Our team will guide you through the steps and let you know about any forms or documents we need.
I’m worried about making decisions or understanding financial information. Can I get extra help?
Absolutely. We can make adjustments to suit your needs, such as:
- Give you more time to process information during calls.
- Provide written summaries of important points.
- Explain things in simpler terms or use larger print.
Just let us know what would help you feel comfortable.
Where else can I get support for dementia?
These organisations offer practical and emotional advice and support that you may find useful.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides support and resources for people living with dementia and their carers.
Phone: 0333 150 3456
Visit: alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist dementia support, including Admiral Nurses.
Phone: 0800 888 6678
Visit: dementiauk.org
Age UK
Age UK offers advice on dementia and related issues, including financial planning.
Phone: 0800 055 6112
Visit: ageuk.org.uk
As we’re a building society, we bank with the Co-op. If you hold an account with the Co-operative Bank and are using their online facility to transfer funds into your Ecology account, you will need to use the Co-operative’s ‘bill payment‘ function. This will allow you to quote a reference when making your transfer. Without a reference, we may be unable to pay the money into your Ecology account.
A standing order needs to be set up from the account you will be sending the funds from. You should be able to do this in your account online banking. You will need to put in your Ecology account details:
- Sort code: 08 90 72
- Account number: 70361591
- Payee name: Your name
- Your reference: This is your 10 digit Ecology account number. (If your Ecology account number is not quoted, the payment will be returned.)
- When you are arranging your payment details you will be asked if it is payment to a business or personal account. If the Ecology account is held in the name of a group, club, charity or business, please choose “Business”. For all other holdings, please choose “Personal”.
You will also need to choose which date you would like the money sent and the frequency.
