This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Whatever your circumstance, losing someone close to you is a terrible experience to go through. You do not have to deal with everything on your own. There are specialist agencies that can help you cope with bereavement, and others that can help you with legal, practical and financial issues.

Help with bereavement

When someone you know or cares about dies, it can be difficult to come to terms with, whatever the circumstances are. If you are having difficulty in coping with the loss of someone close to you, contact a bereavement organisation such as Cruse for specialist support and counselling in confidence. A bereavement counsellor will listen to the way you feel and help you come to terms with what has happened. You could also talk to your GP, who may be able to refer you to local counselling organisations.

Bupa provides useful information about grieving and bereavement.

Help with the funeral

If you find that you have to make the funeral arrangements, it can be daunting. A funeral director will guide you through the process of arranging the funeral and make all the necessary arrangements.

You can get advice about choosing a funeral director and search for a company near you at the National Association of Funeral Directors. They can help you apply for funeral payments from the social fund, if you're eligible.

Alternatively, the deceased may have specified which funeral director you should contact, or friends and family may be able to recommend someone.

Help with housing issues

If you are unsure about your housing and benefit rights following a death in the household, you should get advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice or another local advice centre. Use our directory to find free services in your area.

An adviser can look into your situation and explain your rights. They may be able to help you deal with practical issues - for example if you need to make changes to your tenancy. Shelter cannot house you but our specialist housing advisers can help you protect your rights. Call our free housing advice helpline or request email advice.

Help from a solicitor

In many cases, particularly if your home is owner-occupied, you will also need help from a solicitor to sort out your housing situation. You may only need to see them once, but it's best to find out where you stand early on.

You can find a solicitor in your area through the Yellow Pages, the Law Society or use Community Legal Advice directory of solicitors. Call the Community Legal Advice Helpline for free, confidential and independent legal advice: 0845 345 4 345.

Be aware that you may have to pay solicitors' charges. Find out whether you may be eligible for help with these costs using the Legal Aid Calculator.

Bereavement benefits

If your husband, wife or civil partner has died in the last year, you may be entitled to bereavement benefits. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim:

• bereavement payment or widowed parent's allowance
• bereavement allowance
• a funeral payment.

For more information about the financial help you might be eligible for, visit the Directgov website or contact a local advice centre - use our directory to find one.

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