E.ON took direct debits from my son’s account after it was told of his suicide

Now it says only his bank can refund the £700 – which it can’t

My son died by suicide in July last year. He lived in supported accommodation, and his support worker informed his energy supplier, E.ON Next. It was a stressful time, and though his father and I thought we had contacted all the relevant parties, it turns out that his bank account had not been closed.

In April, I discovered E.ON had taken £700 in monthly direct debits after being notified of his death. The bereavement team at first claimed that he owed the money. When I called again, they were more apologetic and told me to claim the money back from his bank under the direct debit guarantee. It said the bank could then recoup it from E.ON. The bank was unable to do this as I had since closed his account, but E.ON insisted there was no other way it could refund a direct debit payment. It suggested I speak to Citizens Advice, which told me to seek legal advice.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org