Funeral Costs

[annieigma]

Hi,

mother died, insurance paid out £600. Funeral was £2,300, just a plain,no frills, cremation.
Question is, as She had no assets, can I get help with the costs? I "googled it" but means nothing.
Thank you,
Annie

[ummmm]

Sorry for your loss.

Has the funeral already been paid for?

[Mamyalynne]

Difficult situation , is the person who arranged the funeral on any type of benefit?


Condolences to you.

[dannyk13]

Information here:-

https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/bereavement

[annieigma]

Hi Ummm,

Yes, I paid two weeks ago. I got £700 back from the care home from overpayment, but that leaves me £1000 out of pocket, I really thought the insurance would cover it. it seems that you need to be receiving some government benefit before they help?

Annie.

[woofgang]

Have you found this, it seems pretty clear.
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments/overview

I am sorry for your loss, I know at times like these its sometimes hard to make sense of officialese.

[woofgang]

yes, you or a close relative of the deceased need to be entitled to a benefit from the list before you can get help to pay for the funeral.

[ummmm]

I think that steps have to be taken before the funeral is arranged/paid for.

[jackthehat]

I think any payment to which you may be entitled is an 'up front' payment, rather than a reimbursement.

Have you contacted the Citizen's Advice Bureau? They may have a better idea of where to go next.

My condolences on your loss.

[clairson59]

My research finds that if you take responsibility of the funeral arrangements you are responsible for the cost. You have to apply upfront for state assistance and refuse to have any involvement in the arrangements. Whether you qualify for any reimbursment will depend on if you are in receipt of benefits. If not, unlikely you will get any money back.

[clairson59]

It might be worth applying for a funeral grant. You can do this up to 3 months after the funeral takes place. If you qualify you could get back most of the outstanding amount depending on your own financial circumstances. See the webpage: www.gov.uk/funeral-payments.