A Guide to Funeral Costs & Funding
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and the financial burden that often accompanies it can add another layer of stress. In our latest blog, we understand the weight of those difficult moments and aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide on funeral funding. Our goal is to help you navigate the often complex and sensitive process of arranging a fitting farewell for your loved ones without adding more stress to an already challenging time.
This blog provides valuable insights and peace of mind during a difficult time. Your loved one’s memory deserves to be honoured with dignity and love, and we’re here to help you make that happen. Here at Aurora Funerals in Crowborough, East Sussex we will discuss various aspects of funeral funding, from traditional options to newer, innovative approaches that can help you honour your loved one’s memory.
When you meet with us at Aurora Funerals in Crowborough, East Sussex we will explore topics like:
Understanding Funeral Costs: We’ll break down the different expenses associated with funerals, allowing you to better grasp the financial implications.
Traditional Funeral Funding: Exploring the most common methods of funding a funeral, including life insurance, savings, and family contributions.
Alternative Funding Options: Discover newer, more flexible ways to cover funeral expenses, such as crowdfunding, pre-planning, and government assistance.
Here’s a more detailed exploration of funeral costs.
Basic Funeral Costs:
The basic funeral costs encompass several key elements. These include the services of a funeral director, provision of a hearse and pallbearers, the necessary paperwork, and the use of a room whether that be a chapel, church, crematorium or a modern approach such as Sussex barn or here at Aurora Funerals for the service. We can help you decide what options are available to ease financial pressure.
Type of Funeral Service:
The type of funeral service you choose significantly impacts costs. Burials tend to be more expensive than cremations, primarily due to the costs associated with purchasing a burial plot, a headstone, and ongoing maintenance. Cremations, while generally more affordable, can still vary in price based on the crematorium chosen. The nearest crematoriums to Crowborough, East Sussex are Kent & Sussex crematorium and Wealden crematorium.
Additional Funeral Costs:
Funeral costs can accrue with various add-on services. These may include floral arrangements, catering for wakes, and fees for a minister or celebrant to lead the service. It’s essential to budget for these extras if they are part of your plan.
There are several forms of financial assistance and support available to help with the costs of funerals, especially for those who may be struggling to cover the expenses. Some of the key options include:
Funeral Expenses Payment: This is a government scheme available through the Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund. This provision provides financial assistance to help with funeral costs. To be eligible, you or your partner must receive certain benefits. The amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances and can cover essential costs such as burial or cremation fees, some travel expenses, and up to £1000 for other expenses like the coffin and flowers.
To be eligible you need to be in receipt of or applied for the following benefits:
You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
Bereavement Support Payment: This is another government benefit for those who have lost a spouse or civil partner. It provides financial support in the form of a lump sum and monthly payments to help with living expenses, including funeral costs. To be eligible you need to meet these eligibility requirements:
Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested. This means what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.
When your partner died, you must have been:
- under State Pension age
- living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
- married to your partner, in a civil partnership with them, or living with them as if you were married
Your partner must have either:
- paid a certain amount of Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions in any one tax year since 6 April 1975
- died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work
East Sussex County Council: You can contact the East Sussex County Council’s website or their Social Services department for information on any available assistance or guidance related to funeral expenses. They may provide information on local support programs or assistance criteria.
Funeral Grants from Religious or Community Groups: Some religious or community organisations may help their members or community members to help cover funeral expenses. It’s worth enquiring with such groups if you have a connection with them.
There is one topic that nobody wishes to address, yet it is a reality many families must face – funerals for children. The thought of saying goodbye to a child is unimaginable, a nightmare that no parent or caregiver should ever endure. Still, in the world’s unpredictable and sometimes cruel course, this heart-wrenching experience touches the lives of countless families.
Aurora Funerals are here to support families in Crowborough and surrounding areas, to ease the financial pressure and worry we do not charge any professional fees for children’s funerals.
There are disbursement fees that need to be met and we can assist you with obtaining funding through the Children’s Funeral Fund.
Here are a few additional resources:
www.childfuneralcharity.org.uk
Prepaid Funeral Plans: Some individuals opt to prepay for their funerals using prepaid funeral plans, which can help spread the costs and ensure that funds are available when needed. Planning ahead for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful and caring things you can do. Some people never get round to discussing funeral wishes with their loved ones, which can lead to all sorts of worry and anxiety when the time comes. At Aurora Funerals we provide prepaid funeral plans as an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited.
Understanding the specific factors that influence funeral costs is essential for making informed decisions and budgeting effectively. Whether you’re planning for your own funeral or arranging one for a loved one, taking the time to research and compare costs can alleviate some of the financial stress during a challenging and emotionally sensitive time.