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Man applies for funeral grant for his sister's burial as he believes (unfortunately) that as eldest of the siblings he should take responsibility. Man does not take advice prior to making said arrangements, as had previously been succesful with grant for late parent and thought process was simple.
All usual criteria are met, except man is refused under the "closer relative who is not getting a qualifying benefit and who was in closer contact with the deceased than you were before the death" clause.
Man comes to us for advice. Snag! All the siblings (6 of them) have spent a lifetime not talking to each other. The "closer" relative (a brother) tells man to ****** off and will not disclose anything about his personal circumstances/relationship with dead sister and certainly won't be helping with costs.
The deceased sister, who had mild learning difficulties, allegedly never let anyone into the house - not even our man. Her bank account discloses only £250, so will go some way, but not enough. Result: Upset man, very upset funeral director, me with strange headache.
Not had DWP submission yet, but how can DWP prove evidence of closer contact with deceased when the key person is dead? Is this a standard tactic? Does not seem to be much case law on subject, so all ideas gratefully received!
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