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[BazaJT]

Having to think of practicalities now with the loss of Maureen last week the financial situation which was already tight has become even tighter as her pension and DLA payment have stopped[obviously]So I shall have to economise even further plus try to restructure outgoings.First priority of course is to keep a roof over my and the dogs heads.Where is the best place to seek advice on such matters?I could try the bank but[I think]they would be more concerned about their interests than mine.Or there is the Citizens Advice Bureau,but do they have the necessary expertise?If not then who else is suggested?All help much appreciated.

[tigers_gonads]

I went through bankruptcy a few years ago and learnt a hell of a lot about the system.
Pm me some details and if I can help you, I will 

[Gaffers]

I think your first stop should be the CAB, they are free and impartial and very knowledgable.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The Age UK site has some excellent advice on all matters which you will be facing at the moment.

If your paying council tax, get onto them straight away as you get a 25% discount.

Some additional advice I would pass to you, based on what has worked for the mother in law (I have to handle all that for her).

Look at your phone bills/broadband, move to a more suitable plan is available
Consider your gas and electric bills, any better deals out there?
Water meter, if your not on one get one, this saved the MIL nearly £450 a year.
Car insurance, single named person (in our case I add the wife to for added security) with a lower mileage limit, brings the cost down a lot.
Use your bus pass where possible e.g. trips into town etc.
Get any home insulation offers you can e.g. free loft insulation, cavity wall etc (if possible), replacement boiler yada yada
Enquire about funeral benefits, they are out there and all help, do a search for bereavement benefits
Check with the DWP as you may will be entitled to some of her pension if you did not accrue full stamp yourself or if she contributed into SERPS

Its amazing how much you can save per month, I know its difficult and a tough time for you but, hunting out some of the above helps as a distraction when you need it.

[Varche]

Good advice Mark and Guffer.

I would suggest you get a notebook- a cheap exercise book from Wilkos would do. Then keep notes on advice you get and where you are with each aspect including, where appropriate names and phone numbers of people.

Then when you have sorted energy company/water meter change etc you can tick it off. That you will find quite satisfying at a time when you are going through an emotional roller coaster.

[The Sheriff]

Good advice from guffer and Mark about who to contact. CAB certainly have the expertise and age UK will have helped loads of people in your situation. Good luck, Baza.

[BazaJT]

Thanks for advice guys.We have been on a water meter since we moved in last year,so that's that bit sorted I think.Will look at electric/gas,we've always been with British gas for both and although useage of these will reduce slightly as I'll be at work most of the time I'll see if there's any better deals out there although in fairness the electric was only running at about £8 a week.Have got today off to go to registrar to register death,so will take this chance to book appointment with CAB and go see council re council tax etc.TV/phone/broadband is on cable will get in touch with then later to reduce package to a cheaper alternative or would I be better off seeing if there are cheaper alternatives out there first?The cable contract was in Maureens name so if there's any time remaining on contract which would attract cancellation fees or such then surely that would be at an end on her death?

[zirk]

Not used them myself but heard good things about them - http://www.stepchange.org/

[Marks DTM Calib]

So for all utilities and services I would always advise doing a search via a number of the comparison sites (so for TV, broadband, phone, gas, electric, water etc).

Beware the cancelation charges, any overdue debts such as these pass over to the estate of the person on the bill, these then count as costs to be handled by the executor. In summary, the cancelation charges are most likely to not be waved......well worth enquiring when you call to change the name on the bill. 

Run through this funeral benefits calculator as soon as you can to:

https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments/overview

[BazaJT]

Forms I've seen so far regarding any benefits appear to include either spouse or civil partner and as Maureen and I only lived together it would not qualify me for any such benefits.However I am going to check with the relevant government helpline tomorrow and also going to book appointment with Citizens Advice to talk about this and other finances.