funeral expenses

[merejeans]

My uncle has recently died, who pays for his funeral. I will have to arrange it, but he only had his Old age pension, and has no money left, apart from approx. £1,000 from a funeral plan. His only other relation is an elderly sister, who cannot do anything. he never had children.

The funeral director thinks a sim[ple cremation will be around £2,300. Are there any benefits payable for this. Reading the DWP site didn't throw up much help.

[sara3]

you should find all the info needed here..

http://www.direct.gov...AfterADeath/DG_066724

[merejeans]

Thanks Sara, I have already looked at this site, it says the person arranging the funeral must pay for it, my husband and I are also OAPs, (Uncle was 97) and will find it difficult to pay, but we cant leave him unburied. There doesn't seem to be any other help.

[tamborine]

You can get financial help.

http://www.direct.gov.../Bereaved/DG_10018660

[dzug]

It sounds hard hearted I know, but if you decline to get involved the local authority will arrange a funeral. They will be entitled to the £1000 from the insurance

But if you arrange it you pay, maybe getting some benfit to do so.

[Sandy-Wroe]

There used to be a 'Social Fund' which helped people with unexpected expenses that they couldn't meet out of their ordinary benefits. I think it was run by the DHSS
It might be worth contacting them to see if they could help.

[bellowcarson]

If you want please contact with the http://www.academyfuneralservices.com.au/about-us/