Paying for the funeral Chris Moxey It's hard enough dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, let alone having to think about the funeral arrangements. Funerals can be an extremely costly business, and it's important to know if you're entitled to any help.

In this article

How do I pay for the funeral?

Can I get help towards the cost?

Pre-purchased funerals

Normally the cost of a funeral is paid for from the deceased's estate - that is, the property and possessions left by them. It's also worth checking their possessions for any life insurance documents, personal pension schemes from current or previous jobs - or a prepaid funeral plan. Some employers pension schemes pay a lump sum to help with funeral costs.

In the event that there's no money to pay for the funeral, the costs will have to be met by those organising it. Funerals can be expensive so do get quotes from at least two funeral directors to see what the total costs might be.

In some cases where no-one is able to pay for the funeral, the local authority may help - but you have to contact them before the funeral has been arranged.

If the deceased person had a building society account, this will be frozen (unless it's a joint account). However, up to £5000 of funds may be released on production of a Death Certificate.

Check with the DSS to see if the deceased person is owed arrears on a Social Security benefit. If you or your partner are claiming social security benefits such as income support, council tax benefit, jobseekers allowance, working families tax credits or disabled person's tax credits - then you may be entitled to help towards the cost of the funeral by way of a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. You should ask your social security benefit office about these payments. Any Funeral Payment will be paid back from the estate of the deceased but this doesn't include a house or personal possessions that are left to a widow or widower.

A great number of people purchase their funeral in advance through a pre-purchase funeral plan. As well as taking some of the weight of organising your funeral off the shoulders of your relatives, this can be a way of making your wishes known in advance.

Depending on the plan, you may be putting money away to be used flexibly or tying yourself to a particular funeral director and package of services. If you're thinking of buying a plan, it's worth shopping around and finding out what will happen to your plan if, for example, you move house - or if you die before payments are complete. It's also good to find out what services won't be included in the purchase price. These may include the cost of a grave plot and disbursements to ministers, for example.