Is It Permissible to Use a Deceased Parent’s Pension After Death?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

If my father lacked funds for his wife’s home care when he died and received a monthly federal pension, can the family delay reporting his death to the government (OPM) to arrange her financial situation?

Is it permissible to use his pension funds after his death and pay it back later, considering she has no income and needs a caregiver?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It will not be permissible to delay reporting the death of a deceased person in this manner, despite your financial struggles. However, if you did delay and continued to benefit from the funds, you should immediately stop this and backdate all that you owe to the government.

Seek financial assistance from various sources, including government programs, family members, and friends within the community. Do this effectively by communicating your situation clearly to them, ensuring they understand both your needs and the challenges. This approach increases your chances of receiving help and fosters a supportive environment among those who care about you.

Most importantly, pray for ease of sustenance, perform the Prayer of Need, and remember that Allah is the Provider. He will make matters easy.

I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related

• How Does One Perform the Prayer of Need (Salat al-Haja)? – SeekersGuidance
• Is It Halal to Take Financial Support from the Government?
• A reader on Patience and Reliance on Allah
• What Should I Do for Allah To Bless My Time and …

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.