Once you have decided on the specific details of the funeral, the next important consideration is how the funeral will be paid for.
Who is legally responsible for paying funeral expenses?
Generally, the person who arranges the funeral (typically the executor named in the deceased’s Will) is responsible for covering the funeral costs.
If no Will is made, responsibility falls to the Next of Kin. It’s important to understand how funeral costs are managed and explore available financial support options.
Using the deceased’s bank/building society account to pay for funeral costs
If your loved one has funds in their bank or building society account, you can use this to pay for the funeral.
Banks and building societies usually release funds upon seeing a certified copy of the death certificate and the funeral director’s invoice.
If it is not possible to access funds in your estate quickly enough to pay for the funeral, your family will need to cover these costs. They may need to consider other payment options such as:
- Using their own personal savings
- Using a credit card
- Family and friends clubbing together to all pay a smaller amount towards the funeral costs
- Funeral Safe is an FCA regulated specialist funeral loan provider, set up by the funeral industry which allows funeral costs to be paid with lower monthly payments paid over an agreed period.
Financial assistance for funeral expenses: options for benefit claimants
If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment from the government to cover some of the costs. Some of the benefits that qualify include Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Income Support
To apply, make sure to provide the necessary documents, such as the funeral director’s bill and a copy of the death certificate, within six months of the funeral.
For full details about the Funeral Expenses Payment visit www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
Hillier Funeral Service: Guiding You Through the Ways to Pay for A Funeral
If you have any questions about the funeral estimate you have seen, or need help understanding the various ways to pay for a funeral, please contact us. Speak to our caring and professional team today—we offer clear, expert guidance so you can focus on remembering your loved one.