When you lose someone you love and care about while worrying about expenses, you may feel seriously pressured. To solve this issue, you should look at what you can claim for it. Additionally, special programs are offered in these times to many people to help them deal with the costs. You may also choose personalised financial services.
Costs at a funeral can come for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, you may have things prepared beforehand. In other cases, unexpected expenses may follow. If you are not aware of the things that might determine funeral costs, then they are:
- The type of the funeral
- If you need to buy anything more than a casket
- Which funeral home is used?
Costs may depend on these matters and many more. A huge number of people do not expect the sudden or even natural passing away of a loved one. As a result, they also fall prey to a financial burden. Although this is a problem, there are ways it can be managed.
Understand the Needs of the Funeral First
Before claiming insurance money or financial assistance from governmental or charity organisations, you must have a fair idea of the funeral programs, burial ground information, and burial costs. It will give you a fair idea to understand all the costs included and to ask for a financial quote (in case you need it). Such clarity is also very helpful when managing costs from your savings.
However, your savings may not be in good condition for making payments for a funeral. These costs, in many circumstances, can be required in an emergency. You might have a low income or issues such as bad credit. In that regard, you can choose urgent doorstep loans. You can get this loan with a poor credit score. In fact, anyone can take this loan out if the person does not have a bank account. These loans are offered in cash.
With that being said, we are now going to look at a few options to manage your finances when you have to manage to pay funeral costs. Please note that all of these ways might not be applicable to you. Take your time to review each point; do more research, if possible, and choose how you would like to get money for a funeral.
Adhere to Funeral Rights and Regulations
There are different funeral rights and rules according to the type of funeral, funeral home to be used, and many other elements. These rules and regulations might change. Besides, they might differ in states or counties.
Pay attention to the rights and regulations. Understand where you can pay costs and where you might receive assistance from the government and other organisations.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the UK?
In the UK, a funeral costs around £3,953. However, depending on the circumstances, the costs may vary. You might need to speak with officials or research the rules and regulations of your state or county to find out the total costs.
What Happens If You Cannot Attend the Funeral?
Usually, the person who passed away usually has some finances or financial plans such as insurance or funeral care company assistance. However, if you cannot manage to pay the funeral costs, then the local council will pay them.
However, the funeral time and date may change. You will be allowed to attend the funeral. The council will set the time and date. Extra payments such as flowers, cars, or newspaper notices will not be paid.
How to Pay for a Funeral in Different Ways?
There are various ways by which a funeral can be given the money it needs. Sometimes, you may get it from the government or find other personalised assistance for it. A few common ways are given below:
- Receiving Money from the Deceased or His/ Her Family
In many cases, the person plans to help you with the funeral payment beforehand. You might receive insurance claims. Or you might be funded money from the bank account of the deceased or his/ her family. You must contact the bank and review the paperwork to find out whether or not you might gain financial aid for paying funeral costs.
- You Can Receive Funeral Expenses Payment from the Government
If you have a low income and you receive benefits, then the government has plans for you to help you with the funeral expenses. You might get these facilities:
- Burial fees for a particular plot
- Moving the body within the UK if it is moved within 50 miles
- Costs of travelling to the funeral and arranging it
- Cremation fees, including the doctor’s certificate
- Death certificates and other associated documents
You can pay the burial fees with the help of the below-mentioned benefit programs. Do have a word with government officials if you feel doubtful:
- Housing benefit
- Income support
- Universal Credit
- Pension credit
- Child tax credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (income based)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based)
- Disability or Severe Disability Element of working tax credit
- Get Funding from Funeral Plans
These are also pre-approved funeral plans, which the deceased may have paid for before their death. The funeral director or a funeral care company often offers these expenses.
You should understand which claims are covered in these plans. If they do not fund all costs, then you have to arrange money for the remaining costs.
- Funeral Insurance
The funeral insurance usually pays a lump sum of money to you. This money can be used to pay the funeral costs. However, the lump sum paid might not be equivalent to the funeral costs. In that regard, you might have to make payments yourself.
- Paying for the Person’s Funeral from His or Her Bank Account
The formal procedure to approach the bank for payment is a good choice. It is incorrect to use the person’s bank information details or debit card PIN number yourself to pay the funeral costs. You might get legally penalised.
Instead, produce the death certificate, your funeral company or the organisation’s funeral invoice to the bank. The bank will then make the payment to the Funeral Company or organisation.
If you and the deceased person have a joint account, you can take money from it to pay funeral costs.
- Military Services
The government might offer certain funeral services and costs if the deceased worked in the Military service. The funeral services for the deceased will be done at no cost. Added to that, a Funeral Grant might be issued. You should do more research on this matter.
- Receiving Children’s Funeral Fund
In case of the death of a child or a baby, you might get financial assistance from the government in the UK.
- England: £300
- Scotland: £500
- Northern Ireland: £1000
- Wales: £1000
- Paying the Funeral Director by Instalments
You may pay the entire fee to the funeral director in instalments if needed. However, you might be asked for an upfront amount at first. Then, your director may divide the money into instalments that might be convenient for you.
- Paying Money from the Funeral from the Estate
Anyone who pays for the funeral (family, friends, or the council) has the right to arrange payment for the funeral from the estate. You need to check how much money you may recover from the estate you can get and if that is equivalent to funeral costs.
If the deceased already had debts, funeral costs are paid before that. However, secured debts such as a mortgage are paid before the funeral costs.
- Take out Unsecured Short-term Loans to Pay for Funeral
If you face serious difficulty paying for the funeral, you can get quick money with a short-term unsecured payday loan. A loan of this kind means you will be credited the money today. You can pay the money back on your next payday. Private payday lenders in the UK can help you out with this loan in a day.
To Conclude: Please Do Not Feel Pressurised
Circumstances like these are pressurising. It’s understandable. Do not feel burdened if you cannot afford to pay the costs. Talk with friends and family about the problem. You will surely get a solution to make payments for the funeral.