The loss of a loved one can be debilitating, which makes the practicalities of arranging a celebration of their life all the more overwhelming – especially when it comes to figuring out the financial side of things.
Let’s take a look at how families can navigate this and still of honour their loved one at the same time.
Family Responsibility
In most cases the immediate family of the deceased is responsible for the funeral expenses. The family (including spouses, children, and siblings) will often come together to share the financial burden to deliver a wonderful, personalised celebration of life.
While the immediate family typically takes the lead, friends and extended family members may offer financial support to ease the weight of the cost.
Estate Assets
Your loved one may have had some assets in their estate, such as savings, property, or life insurance policies. Usually executors of the estate are responsible for managing these assets; however if your loved one did not leave a will or make their wishes clear, it would be worth taking some time to review their documentation and see if there is anything that can contribute towards their funeral arrangements.
Prearranged Plans
Some loved ones have prearranged funeral plans already in place to take care of their funeral expenses. These arrangements outline the money available for the funeral and the wishes of the deceased. Your loved one will usually have the documentation stored somewhere safe along with their other important documents; or they may have told a trusted family member how to access the plan.
If you are not sure if your loved one has a prearranged funeral plan, you can use services such as https://myfuneralmatters.co.uk/trace-a-funeral-plan/ to find out.
Government Assistance
There are certain circumstances in which the government may be able to help you cover some of costs of the funeral. These services are usually reserved for individuals on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. They are typically available through a Funeral Expenses Payment in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland. These payments are designed to help with the costs of a funeral when the deceased’s estate doesn’t have sufficient funds.
They can help with things such as death certificates, cremation fees, burial fees, moving the deceased within the UK (if more than 50 miles), and up to £1,000 for other expenses like funeral director fees, flowers, or the coffin.
You can claim this over the phone through the Bereavement Service helpline.
Communication is Key
Open communication between family members is crucial during this time to determine how to manage funeral payments. Having conversations around financial matters may be challenging, but it is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page to prevent upset in the future.
It can be helpful to seek guidance from funeral professionals and rely on the support of friends and family to help find a bespoke, affordable way to honour a loved one’s memory.
