Help with Funeral Costs

Have you been asked to make funeral arrangements for a loved one.

Worried about how you are going to pay.

As the person arranging the funeral you are responsible the bill being paid.

There are many ways to get help with funeral costs,

This is why we provide all our clients with details of who can help.

Below you will find different options for funding the funeral of your loved one.

You can always contact us for advice and support at one of our funeral homes.

Ways to pay for your loved ones funeral

Your loved one’s estate

Funeral expenses are often paid for by your loved one’s estate, so it is important that you research the value of your loved one’s estate as soon as possible.

Some banks and building societies will pay the funeral account direct to us, after you show them the Death Certificate.

Insurance or pre-paid funeral plans

Some people will have already arranged to pay for their funeral. This is normally in the form of a pre-paid funeral plan or funeral insurance.

With a pre-paid funeral plan, you just need to make sure that the funeral you arrange is within the amount covered by the plan. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for any extra add-ons you’ve chosen.

Insurance pays out a fixed lump sum which should cover the cost of a funeral.

Social Fund Claim

This is a payment from the Department of Work & Pensions that covers crematorium fees, doctors’ fees and £700 towards all the other costs such as funeral director and minister. You will be expected to cover the shortfall between this sum and the actual costs of the services you have requested from a funeral director.

For full details about eligibility and how to claim please visit the Department of Work and Pensions website

Bereavement Payments

These bereavement payments and widowed parent’s allowance are all based on your spouse or civil partner’s national insurance (NI) contributions.

By your spouse or civil partner we mean the person you were legally married to, or were in a civil partnership with, at the time of their death.

Funeral Finance

Thinking about finance to help with funeral costs?

Working with our partner Funeral Safe

We offer a range of helpful options

Paying for a funeral can be a costly and unexpected expense.
Finding the necessary cash at short notice can be a strain.
Funeral Finance means fixed affordable monthly payments over a fixed term.
A funeral loan can help you take care of immediate funeral expenses.
Allowing you to make funeral arrangements with confidence.
Letting you focus on saying goodbye.
If your loved one did not have a pre-paid funeral plan, life insurance
You have limited cash or credit card balance, we can help.

 Helping Reduce Funeral Costs

We have listed below some ideas that might reduce your funeral bill

Embalming / “hygienic preparation”.
We will only embalm if we think you and your loved one will benefit from it.
Flowers
Why not give hand-picked flowers from your garden.
Venue
If you don’t want to be restricted to the time frames of a crematorium you might want to have a direct cremation. Followed by separate memorial service at a time that’s convenient for you.
Catering
Can you do it yourself. Get everyone to help. Funeral teas are a tradition. It gives you a chance to meet up with those you don`t see too often
Coffins
The amount you spend on a coffin does not reflect the amount you love someone.
Orders of Service
Most people have access to a computer and a printer. Get a friend with creative flair to help with the design and print.
Cars
Think about whether you really need a limousine.
Newspaper Tributes
Can you use social media instead of a newspaper notice?

How People Pay For A Funeral

In late Spring 2016, the NAFD, in partnership with Cruse Bereavement Care, commissioned a detailed study into consumer opinions about funerals and funeral directors from respected polling company YouGov.
Just over 1 in 8 Britons (12%) felt they would have no way of paying the costs of an unexpected funeral, compared to almost three-quarters (71%) who would either use savings, put it on a credit card or use another bank finance facility such as a loan.
63% of Britons expect to be able to check or compare prices before selecting a funeral director. We are happy to display our prices on our website

Financial advice

Dealing with money matters is often the last thing you want to be doing when you have suffered a bereavement. Unfortunately, it is something that has to be addressed and some Financial matters are more pressing than others.

What should I do first?

The first thing is to register the death and take care of the funeral arrangements.
The cost of the funeral can normally be released directly from the deceased’s bank account upon production of the invoice and death certificate, if there are sufficient funds. If there are insufficient funds, you may be eligible to help from the Department of Work & Pensions

Who is responsible for dealing with the administration of the estate?
1. The executor if there is a Will
2. The next of kin under the rules if Intestacy of there is no Will

It will be up to them to decide whether they wish to deal with matters personally or whether to get assistance from a Solicitor to assist with the administration of the estate.

Do you require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to deal with the estate?
As a rule of thumb, it is required if there is: –

1. Land or Property
2. Money in accounts over £15K

Where to find help?
Each Gallagher Funeral Service chapel has a relationship with a local firm of solicitors who will be able to assist you from a local office and will be familiar with the procedures following a death.

Contact Us

11 + 3 =