Grieving with Debt
Grieving in Debt: The Hidden Burden No One Talks About
At the National Grief Advice Service, we support individuals and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Every day, we hear from people who are not only coping with the heartbreak of losing a loved one, but also dealing with the overwhelming reality of debt that follows.
Grief is hard enough. When it’s made worse by financial pressure, unpaid bills, or the shock of discovering a loved one’s financial situation, it can feel truly devastating.
When Grief and Debt Collide
Whether it’s the cost of a funeral, taking on someone else’s debts, or struggling with your own financial worries while grieving, the impact can be profound. You may be:
- A partner suddenly responsible for rent, bills, or childcare on your own
- A young adult handling a parent’s financial affairs with little guidance
- A family member shocked to discover unpaid loans or credit cards
- Or someone dealing with the aftermath of a suicide where debt was a factor
Debt doesn’t just affect your finances—it can cause shame, stress, anxiety, and isolation. But you are not alone, and help is available.
How the National Grief Advice Service Can Help
The National Grief Advice Service offers free, confidential emotional and practical support to anyone affected by grief. Whether you are preparing for a loss, experiencing it now, or struggling with the long-term impact, we are here to help.
We provide:
- 🧡 One-to-one support with trained grief advisors
- 🧾 Advice on what happens to debt after someone dies
- ⚖️ Guidance on probate, inheritance and legal responsibilities
- 💸 Support with managing funeral costs and finding available financial help
- 🤝 Referrals to specialist services for financial or mental health support
We understand that grief can turn your whole world upside down, and financial concerns often make things harder. That’s why we’re here—to lighten the load and walk alongside you through this difficult time.
In Partnership with PayPlan: Help with Debt
We are proud to work in partnership with PayPlan, one of the UK’s most trusted organisations offering free debt advice. Together, we can help those who are grieving and feeling trapped by debt find a way forward.
PayPlan offers:
- Free, expert debt advice tailored to your personal situation
- Help creating affordable repayment plans, some plans do incur a fee but their advisors will cover this with you
- Guidance on dealing with joint accounts, credit cards, and debts after bereavement
- Kind, non-judgemental support every step of the way
👉 Click here to get free, confidential debt help through PayPlan
When Debt Leads to Loss
We also support families who have lost a loved one in situations where debt contributed to poor mental health or even suicide. These are incredibly painful, complex losses, and they deserve compassion, care, and specialist support.
If you are grieving someone where debt played a role in their death, we are here for you. We provide:
- A non-judgemental space to talk about your experience
- Specialist grief support tailored to complex or traumatic loss
- Practical guidance on coroners, estates, and next steps
- Resources and emotional support for children and other family members
You’re Not Alone
The National Grief Advice Service exists to help people through every kind of grief—and that includes the financial impact that often follows a loss. You deserve support that understands the whole picture: emotional, financial, and practical.
📞 Reach out to us today for free advice, guidance, or just someone to talk to.
🔗 Or get free debt help now with PayPlan
You are not alone. We’re here for you.
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