Arrears and benefit of account down the drain

My late mother had an acc with Russell's she passed on in Oct and we had a small intimate service because of less funds not knowing that she had acc with Russell's that had a benefit life cover of up to R50 000. I then got a statement raiding in Jan I went to the store to submit the death and learned that the acc was on arrears and that I Zalisa Jonas as the beneficiary had to pay this arrears within 30 days and thereafter they would apply for the benefit cover and if its approved it would be paid out if not then sorry. I asked what will happen because I didn't know of this acc until now and it says that were to claim within 14 days of the death. They said that was not a problem all I need to do is pay the R6,488,58 for the arrears and I might or might not get the benefit cover. My mother has been with them since 2013 and for her benefits to go down the drain because of arrears outstanding is not understandable. i was told to pay within 30 days which ends on 11-02-16. I thought that an acc is to close when the owner dies and now I don't know what's to happen to me, the acc, the arrears or the furniture. I am in fear Peter. Please help me...