The funeral director can provide you with an estimate of our charges, so that you are able to clearly see what costs will be incurred for the funeral you are arranging.
If you are concerned that you are unable to meet the costs of the funeral, please discuss this with a member of our staff when you first meet with them and they will be able to offer advice in the strictest confidence. If the person who died has not left enough money to cover the costs of the funeral or if you receive any low income benefits, you may be entitled to receive help from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Assistance is available from the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Social Fund which can provide assistance to individuals who meet the required criteria. To qualify you must demonstrate that you are the most suitable person to take responsibility for paying the funeral account - additionally you must be receiving at least one of several qualifying benefits and have insufficient savings to pay for the funeral.
The DWP Funeral Payment will provide a limited amount, which may cover a very basic funeral, or provide a contribution towards a more traditional funeral. We will be able to advise you about the qualifying criteria and the likely contribution available. Form SF200 can be downloaded Here. Once completed, this form should be taken or sent to your local Job Centre Plus with any pension or benefit books in the deceased's name, or in joint names.
Find out more about funeral and death related benefits Here.