This guide helps with
- Understand how a deceased person's debt is generally handled
- Know who should usually deal with us and what to provide
- Avoid taking on personal responsibility unintentionally
- Find respectful, free support for this situation
- Know where to get independent advice
5 min
What's happening
You are dealing with a debt that belonged to someone who has passed away. This is a difficult time, and we will treat it sensitively. In general, a person's debts are dealt with through their estate, and relatives are not usually personally responsible simply because they are family. The right step is to let us know and pass dealings to whoever is administering the estate.
This is general information, not legal advice. Estates can be complex, so please also seek free, independent advice.
What to do
Let us know, in writing, that the person has died, and tell us who is dealing with the estate — for example, an executor or administrator. You may be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate and details of the estate's representative. Ask us to direct further contact to that person and to pause routine collection out of respect while this is arranged.
Step by step
- Note the reference and gather the details you have about the account.
- Write to us advising that the account holder has died.
- Provide the name and contact details of the estate's representative, if known.
- Be ready to provide a copy of the death certificate if asked.
- Ask us to direct further contact to the estate's representative.
- Keep dated copies, and do not feel pressured to pay from your own funds.
What evidence helps
A copy of the death certificate and the contact details of the executor or administrator usually allow matters to be directed appropriately. If probate or estate administration is under way, those details help too. Our Help Centre has more general guidance, offered gently.
Who to contact
Let us know through the contact page. For free, respectful support, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, which can guide you and refer you to specialist or bereavement support. If a dispute cannot be resolved, an external scheme such as AFCA may be able to consider it.
Good to know
- A person's debts are generally dealt with through their estate
- Relatives are not usually personally responsible simply because they are family
- Tell us who is administering the estate and provide a death certificate if asked
- Free, respectful support and independent advice are available
FAQ
Am I responsible for my relative's debt?
Generally, debts are dealt with through the person's estate, and relatives are not usually personally responsible simply because of the family relationship. Seek free advice if you are unsure.
Who should deal with you?
Usually the executor or administrator of the estate. Let us know who that is so further contact can be directed to them appropriately.
What if there is no estate to speak of?
Tell us the circumstances and provide a death certificate if asked. A free service can advise on what happens when there are limited or no assets in the estate.
Still stuck? Our team is happy to help you sort it out.