What happens if I can't afford a funeral? Funeral costs can be expensive for family members during an already stressful time, so keep reading this article if you're looking for help with funeral costs. 

Shropshire Funerals are independent, family-run funeral directors based in Oswestry, Shropshire. Our trusted team of experienced funeral directors are here to guide you through each step at difficult times.

Who pays for the funeral?

Many people don't want to think about how to pay for a funeral, nor do they want to ask for financial support during a time when emotional support is the priority. 

However, you will be happy to know that typically the person who died will cover the funeral expenses. This is either covered by the money they have put aside, or the deceased's estate will cover funeral costs.

The 'estate' consists of the deceased's personal possessions, property, money in bank accounts and other assets under their name. 

An executor manages this estate, typically allocated in the written will. Where no executor has been assigned, the court will provide the family with an administrator to sort through the will and assets, starting with paying off outstanding debt.

The executor will ensure a funeral expenses payment plan has been established, using the estate to pay other funeral expenses. They will manage other documents and legal rights. 

A family member will have to pay for the funeral if no will has been written and no estate exists for funeral payments. If there is enough money in the deceased's estate, you can typically receive a refund from that. 

What Happens If I Cant Afford A Funeral?

What happens if I can't afford a funeral?

If you cannot afford to pay for a basic funeral bill, you shouldn't panic. On average, UK funeral costs will cost you anywhere from £3500 to £4200. This covers a standard burial funeral plan without catering, flowers and other additional features many families opt for. 

When you and other family members cannot cover the costs of a loved one's funeral, the local council and authorities will assist with funeral arrangements and offer funeral support payments. The estate of the person who died is always the priority payment plan, as enlisting the assistance of the local authorities is the last resort.

What's Included In Funeral Costs?

When you pay for the funeral costs, you can expect to pay for the funeral director's fees, officiate/clergy fees and cremation or burial fees as the biggest expenditures. 

The differences between burials and cremations can vary across thousands, but prepaid funeral plans exist to make the planning easier. 

Particular plot cremation fees are typically more expensive than other services, but you can lower the costs by changing the type of funeral. Burial or cremation are the most common, and there are payment methods you can seek out for assistance.

When you arrange the funeral yourself, you can choose which amenities you want. Coffins, cars, and venues will be the most expensive, along with benefitting from a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Use the bank account of the person who died

If you and the deceased shared a bank account through marriage or a civil partnership, you should have no trouble accessing the funds inside. If, however, the deceased owned the bank account solely under their name, you may have to wait for access. 

Your executor will have experience with a dead person's individual accounts, which may or may not have been frozen by the bank. The bank in question will ask for a copy of their death certificate and invoice for funeral costs with your name. 

More often than not, to pay the funeral provider the required money, you should prove your identity to the bank or building society. Family members can get into legal trouble when they do not approve the transaction of funds from the deceased's account, even if you know the online banking login information and debit card PIN. 

Always consult the building societies and banks beforehand, even if you are a close relative. 

Claim funeral costs from the estate

One of the more common funeral options is to raise money through a credit loan or some other means and then pay yourself back with the estate's funds. 

You should work closely with your executor to ensure the total cost of the funeral will be payable by the estate after other secured debts have been approved. The deceased may have mortgage fees or utility bill arrears to pay back before you can access the estate. 

Paying for expenses such as funeral flowers or the coffin can significantly affect the overall budget, so ensure the estate's money covers you. 

What if the deceased has no money?

Of course, many families cannot cover the funeral costs themselves, and the deceased has no viable estate. In such situations, it is not your responsibility to pay unless you can. 

Thankfully, there are many government schemes for children's funeral funds and family bereavement benefits. You should not feel pressured to cover the costs yourself, but you want to arrange a special send-off for your loved ones. 

Many people will raise money through a fundraising page, asking for friends and family of the deceased to chip in. 

Children's Funeral Fund

For anyone planning a funeral in England, Scotland or Wales for someone under 18, standard burial and cremation fees can be covered by the Children's Funeral Fund. This fund can also cover basic ceremonies for stillborn and foetal remains. 

However, the memorial service, funeral director's fees and flowers will not be covered by the fund and must be raised separately. Further financial help can be provided for those wanting a coffin, shroud or casket.

Funeral Expenses Payment

For individuals on benefits, you can utilise the Government Scheme of Funeral Expenses Payments, covering costs like the cremation fees, the doctor's certificate or burial plot cremation fees. 

Required documents, legal forms and death certificates can also be arranged, aiding in the transport of moving the body. Doctor's certificate travel requirements must be met, and this fund can assist and provide you with certain benefits. 

If you require assistance with funeral director's fees, a coffin or flowers, you can also receive up to £700 to help cover the funeral costs if you have a low income.

You can receive financial support from the funeral expenses payment scheme, so be sure to contact your local authority if you believe you require a support allowance. 

Bereavement Support Payment

The Department of Work and Pensions established the DWP Bereavement Service to provide those in need with financial support for the costs of a funeral. 

Those with children or are pregnant can receive lump sums between £2500 and £3500 to cover the cost of a funeral with monthly instalments following. 

You can be eligible for Bereavement Support Payments if your wife, husband or civil partner passed away over the last 21 months. If the deceased died in a workplace accident or disease caused by their workplace, you could also apply for this support if they paid National Insurance. 

Raise money through a JustGiving page

Fundraising pages have become a popular way for family members to raise money for a funeral, along with registered charity pages offering fundraising pages for those who want to participate in charity events. 

Such pages are typically customisable and can be made to match the personality of the deceased, giving you a chance to tell their story during their send-off. 

What happens if someone dies with no money or family?

There are many situations where people die, and there is no estate or money to pay for the funeral. Family members cannot provide for the event, so the local council or hospital will arrange a Public Health Funeral in this instance. 

In the past, this was also called a pauper's funeral, which is a simple cremation service with the essentials. These events are open to family and friends, but the authority in charge decides the time and date, with no additional extras like flowers being included. If you want such amenities, you must pay for them yourself.

You should know that local councils only take responsibility when no other option and other money is available. 

When it comes to funerals of quality purposes, you will experience the bare minimum with a Public Health Funeral, but arranging it does not come down to you. This will be a short service that helps you grieve the person who has died, but nothing more. 

If you require assistance making the final bill more manageable, please contact our team today.

Are you looking for an independent funeral director in Shropshire? Our family run funeral director service provides support for you and your loved ones during the funeral arrangement and service.