Paying for a funeral when there is no money

Funerals are undoubtedly a difficult topic to discuss, but the rising costs associated with them in the UK make it a conversation that can no longer be avoided. 

Regrettably, there may be instances when the deceased person’s estate lacks the necessary funds to cover associated expenses. In this post, I’ll look at what you can do if you find yourself dealing with an estate where there are insufficient funds to pay for a funeral.

How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

According to research by Legal and General, the average cremation cost has soared to £4,176, direct cremation stands at £1,396, and a traditional burial can set you back £5,493. 

These numbers can be overwhelming, but there are ways to navigate the financial burden without compromising the dignity and respect we wish to accord our departed loved ones. 

Who is responsible for paying for a funeral?

The responsibility for paying for a funeral typically falls on the family members or the estate of the deceased. 

The person responsible for arranging the funeral, often a close family member, must cover the associated costs. 

These costs might include the fees of funeral directors, cremation or burial expenses, transportation of the body, and any additional services or items chosen for the funeral ceremony.

Who pays for a funeral if there is no money?

If there is no funeral plan, life insurance policy or family member able to afford the expenses, responsibility for covering the costs may fall on various entities depending on the circumstances. Here are some possible scenarios:

Public health funeral

A public health funeral is a funeral arranged and paid for by the local authority when an individual dies without known next of kin, or when the family is unable or unwilling to make arrangements or cover the costs. 

These types of funerals are typically simple, no-frills affairs and are conducted with the primary goal of disposing of the deceased’s remains respectfully.

Who qualifies for a public health funeral?

A local authority is obligated to oversee the burial or cremation of anyone who has passed away or discovered deceased in their area. 

Their responsibility arises when they determine that no appropriate arrangements for the body’s disposal have been or are being made, except by the authority itself.

What does a public health funeral consist of?

Public health funerals are no-frills events whereby they will make arrangements with the funeral director, arrange for a coffin and organise the funeral.

Can you apply for a public health funeral?

If you have exhausted all avenues to pay for the funeral, you can approach the council to arrange a public health funeral.

The funeral is being paid with public funds, so make sure that you are prepared to answer any questions that they might ask about how you have tried to find the funds for a funeral.

Funeral Expense Payment

The Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) or funeral payment is a government scheme designed to help individuals who are on a low income or receive certain benefits with the cost of a funeral. This payment is intended to ease the financial burden associated with funeral expenses.

To be eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment, the applicant must be responsible for the funeral arrangements and meet certain financial criteria:

• The applicant should be receiving certain means-tested benefits or tax credits
• The person applying for the payment must be either the partner, close relative, or a close friend of the deceased, and they must be responsible for the funeral arrangements.
• You’re currently in the process of organising a funeral in the UK

If you are due any money from the deceased’s estate, your funeral payment will be deducted from this.

The funeral payment should be used to help pay for the following:

• Burial fees
• Cremation fees and the cost of a doctor’s certificate
• Transport to the funeral
• Body transportation fees, if it is being moved more than 50 miles
• Necessary documentation

How much will you get?

The amount you receive is contingent upon your specific situation. 

This encompasses any additional funds accessible to offset expenses, such as those from an insurance policy or the estate of the deceased individual.

How to claim for a funeral payment

To make a claim for the payment you will need to contact the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0800 151 0212

Do you have to honour burial wishes in a Will?

While a will is a legally binding document, and it is an important instrument for expressing one’s wishes regarding the distribution of their estate, burial wishes outlined in a will may not be legally binding in the same way as other aspects of the will.

This is especially important if it is the deceased’s wish to be buried, but there is no money to cover funeral costs.

Conclusion

the significance of comprehending available options when facing the challenge of insufficient funds for a funeral cannot be overstated, particularly when considering the dignity of the departed.

As detailed in this post, viable alternatives exist for those grappling with the financial aspects of funeral arrangements. Both a public health funeral and Funeral Expense Payment offer avenues for support. However, it is imperative to provide evidence of the inability to cover funeral expenses in either case.

In the difficult circumstances that arise when someone passes away, it is crucial to remain mindful of these options and to approach the necessary processes with care and understanding.