<prompt> Human: My father passed away in early May. He did not have a will. I am his only surviving relative. While canceling all his services I learned that there is an unpaid cable TV balance. I gave them my address for any correspondence - thats how I got the pre-paid sticker to return his cable box. I read a few articles on this online and understand that his estate would be responsible for the bills, but since he does not really have any estate, was on SSI and did not have much in savings 300 bucks, which I will be receiving from the bank shortly, do I need to pay this bill?  <response>: Sorry for your loss.You say he does not really have any estate but everyone that has any assets has an estate when they die, thats what an estate is, its the place all of the money and assets go that dont have someone elses name on them. If youre getting 300 that was his, unless you were named on the account jointly with him, that money is part of his estate.Even though you are the only surviving beneficiary, you arent supposed to just take that money for yourself before settling your fathers estate, and settling the estate means paying bills like this and anything else in his name.Theoretically the cable company could sue the estate for this amount and if they found that you took the money without going through due process probate through the county usually they could sue you for it. If the bill isnt large they might just let it go but it depends.Read up on wills, estates, and probate, and if there more assets or liabilities consider calling the county probate office to see what you were supposed to do. You arent supposed to just ignore all of that and take what you want. 