Did the deceased leave instructions about the type of funeral they wanted?
- If not, you will need to consider the type of funeral to arrange (eg religious, humanist, civil or green burial)
- Most people continue to choose a traditional funeral
- However, it is now possible to opt for less formal arrangements. This may be more personal and flexible based around your own or the deceased’s life and beliefs.
- For example, you may choose a specially designed coffin or select music to reflect the life, work or hobbies of the person who has died. Speak to funeral director or crematorium staff for more information on the various options.
- Check if the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan. If not, you will need to consider how the funeral will be paid for.
Paying for the funeral
Once you have decided on the type of funeral you want, your funeral director will discuss the different costs and services and will provide you with a written quotation. In most cases, the funeral director will require a deposit before they start making arrangements. If you feel up to it, try to get more than one quote to compare the costs and services.
Funeral costs can be met in different ways; these include paying with funds from:
- The deceased's estate
- A funeral scheme or pre-paid funeral plan
- A life insurance policy or pension scheme.
Often the bank or building society accounts of the deceased will be frozen until certain legal matters have been addressed, unless it is a joint account. Although they may release some funds, they are not obliged to do so.
If you are on a low income
If you are finding it difficult to pay for a funeral that you have to arrange, you may be able to get a Social Fund Loan or Funeral Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions. However, it can take some time for these applications to be processed. Your funeral director will be keen to receive the deposit so that they can start making arrangements. If you don't have the deposit readily available, try not to rush any financial decisions because you may regret them later.
If you need to borrow money, contact Scotcash who may be able to offer you a loan on affordable terms (terms and conditions apply). You will need to make an appointment, however, if you quote reference SCFS, you will be given priority attention. You will need to bring the written estimate from the funeral director with you and if the loan is granted, the funds will be paid direct to the funeral directors' bank account.
Phone: 0141 276 0525 or go to www.scotcash.net
Scotcash also has two independant money advisers based in their offices and if you are applying for a Social Fund loan or grant, they can help you fill in the application forms, quote reference SCFS.
Scotcash are members of the Glasgow Information and Advice Network (GAIN) and can also help you with the other financial issues relating to paying for the funeral.