When someone dies, who pays for the funeral?

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Bharat Saini

The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. As you grieve, you’ll also need to make practical arrangements for the funeral. An important consideration is: who will pay for it?

There are a few options for covering funeral costs in the UK. This guide explains who is responsible for paying and what help is available if funds are limited.

Who is legally responsible for paying for a funeral?

By law, the following people are responsible for paying funeral expenses if the deceased did not leave enough money to cover costs:

The spouse or civil partner of the deceased is primarily responsible for funeral costs. This includes a divorced partner if they were receiving maintenance payments from the deceased.
Children of the deceased are usually expected to pay equitably, although there is no legal obligation.
If there is no surviving spouse or civil partner, parents, siblings or other relatives may be asked to contribute.
If there are no relatives able or willing to pay, friends of the deceased may wish to cover the costs, but again there is no legal duty.
If none of the above are able to pay, the local authority will cover a basic, no-frills funeral. This is known as a public health funeral.

So in summary, the first port of call for funeral costs is the spouse, followed by other close family, then more distant relatives, friends, and finally the local authority.

What if the deceased left money to pay for their funeral?

If the deceased made financial provisions for their funeral, such as a pre-paid funeral plan or savings set aside, these funds should be used first to cover costs.

Relatives or the executor managing the estate can access money left by the deceased to pay funeral bills before other debts are settled. Any surplus can be kept by the relatives.

If there is no will specifying funeral arrangements, the executor must consult the spouse and close relatives about appropriate plans.

Estimating the cost of a funeral in the UK

Funeral costs in the UK can vary greatly depending on choices about cremation vs burial, type of service, coffin, flowers, catering etc.

Some average costs for common arrangements:

Basic cremation – £3,000 to £4,000
Burial (grave purchase, fees) – £4,000 to £6,000
Modest funeral service and hearse transport – £2,000 to £3,000
Coffin – £400 to £3,000+
Funeral notices – £100 to £400
Flowers – £100 to £300
Wake catering – £3 to £10 per head

So for a basic cremation service followed by a modest wake, expect costs around £5,000 to £7,000. For a traditional burial with lavish send-off, costs often reach £10,000 or more.

Funeral costs have risen faster than inflation in recent years, so be sure to get quotes.

What help is available if I can’t afford to pay for a funeral?

If no family or friends are able to cover the full costs of a funeral, don’t despair – there are sources of financial support:

Bereavement Support Payment – If your spouse or civil partner died, you may be eligible for a £2,500 to £3,500 grant from the government.

Funeral Expenses Payment – Those on qualifying benefits can get a Funeral Expenses Payment of £1,000 to £3,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Probate loans – Banks and other lenders offer loans against the estate of the deceased which are repaid after probate. This can release funds quickly to pay for the funeral.

Crowdfunding – Online fundraising for funeral costs is growing more common. Sites like GoFundMe let you share the need widely.

Charities – Organisations like Quaker Social Action or Fair Funerals provide advice and grants in some cases.

Funeral plans – Pre-paying for a funeral plan spreads costs interest-free and fixes the price. This protects relatives from rising expenses. Plans can often be found for under £4,000.

So in summary, do not despair if funds are tight when a loved one passes away. There are options for assistance. Visit your local funeral director and ask for advice. You can also perform a Google search to find your nearest funeral home, for example, if you were in Wirral, you could search for funeral directors in Wirral and then ask for guidance, Simple Send-offs are an example of a local funeral director but you should substitute Wirral for your own location and, of course, choose a funeral director you feel suitable for you.

Who pays when someone dies with no money and no family?

It’s a sad fact that some people pass away without enough money to cover a funeral and with no family or friends able or willing to pay costs.

In these cases of a truly destitute deceased person, responsibility falls to the local authority. They will provide a basic, essential funeral, referred to as a public health funeral.

What is a public health funeral?

Public health funerals are provided by local councils across the UK. The aim is to allow the deceased to have an affordable, dignified funeral while protecting public health.

Councils have a legal duty to bury or cremate those who die in their jurisdiction with no other funding source available. Public health funerals are kept extremely simple, but cover all essential elements:

Transport of the deceased from place of death
Holding the deceased until burial/cremation
A simple coffin
Hearse to the crematorium or cemetery
Burial or cremation fees
A grave marker with name/dates

The deceased will usually be cremated, as this is more cost-effective, unless they previously requested burial for faith reasons.

No ceremony takes place, but a minister can say a few words at the graveside or crematorium if requested by a friend of the deceased.

Overall, public health funerals provide basic respectful treatment but avoid any non-essential costs.

Can relatives attend a public health funeral?

Yes, while public health funerals are organised by the council, any relatives or friends of the deceased can attend the committal.

The council will try to locate relatives before the funeral occurs. But even if relatives are traced after a public health funeral, they can still attend the grave or crematorium to pay respects.

Councils make an effort to gather names, faith, military service or other details about the deceased from any sources available. This gives a degree of personalisation.

If friends or family are located, they may also be able to arrange an additional religious service if desired, although they will need to cover any costs of this.

Are public health funerals decent?

Given the very basic facilities, some people perceive public health funerals as undignified or disrespectful.

However, in the absence of any other options, a public health funeral allows the deceased to be laid to rest properly and at no risk to public health. Councils carry out their duties sensitively.

That said, many charities argue more should be done to give these funerals added dignity, such as allowing a fuller service with eulogy. Efforts are being made to reduce stigma around public health funerals.

Public health funerals are also sometimes referred to as “pauper’s funerals”, although this term is falling out of favour as disrespectful. “Council funerals” is also used.

How much do public health funerals cost?

Because public health funerals are extremely simple, costs to the council are low compared to regular funerals.

The average cost of a public health funeral in the UK is around £1,500. Costs can range from £700 to £3,000 depending on the local authority. Some key factors that affect costs:

Cremation is cheaper than burial, around £750 vs £2,000-£3,000
Location affects the fees charged by crematoria and cemeteries
Transportation costs vary depending where the death occurred

Councils seek to recover costs from any estate of the deceased. If funds are available after probate, councils will reclaim their expenses, reducing the burden on taxpayers.

Some councils do not charge for a public health funeral if they judge the deceased was destitute and charitable help with expenses is justified. But cost recovery up to the full amount spent is more common.

So in summary, public health funerals provide a minimum-cost option for people who have died with absolutely no other funding provision available. Though basic, they still allow dignified, safe handling of the deceased. Any relatives can attend the committal service.

Can funeral costs be negotiated?

Paying for a funeral can involve suddenly finding several thousand pounds. Understandably this leads many to ask: can the costs be reduced?

The answer is yes – funeral costs are usually negotiable to some degree. Here are some tips for minimising expenses:

Shop around – Get quotes from several funeral directors for the same arrangements. Costs can vary greatly.
Consider a direct cremation – This simple option avoids ceremonies and just carries out the cremation. Costs start from around £1,500.
Discuss essentials – Talk to your funeral director about lower cost alternatives for coffins, flowers, transport etc.
Avoid embalming – Embalming is an optional extra cost, as refrigeration preserves the deceased.
Compare funeral plans – Prepaying can lock in today’s prices but compare plans closely as they vary.
Claim benefits – Check eligibility for government payments like the Funeral Expenses Payment.
Use existing funds – Use savings of the deceased first before relying on other funds.
Consider crowdfunding – This can help raise funds from multiple small contributions.
Negotiate payment terms – Many funeral directors allow payment in instalments which helps cash flow.

With some creative thinking and open conversation with funeral professionals, there is often scope to lower funeral costs or spread payments. This can make a big difference for families facing financial hardship.

Should I take out funeral insurance?

Funeral insurance, also called funeral plans, allow you to pre-pay towards your future funeral. This can provide peace of mind that costs will be covered without burdening loved ones.

Funeral plans have some advantages:

Fixes funeral costs – Pre-pay at today’s prices to avoid rising future expense
Spreads costs – Payments can be spread over months or years
Protects inheritors – Your inheritance stays intact rather than paying funeral bills
Reduces stress – Removes the financial burden on grieving relatives
Personalisation – Plans can be customised with requests for service details

However, there are also some downsides to weigh:

Added fees – Administration fees often apply, adding 10-15% extra cost
Lack of regulation – Anyone can offer a funeral plan, so choose reputable providers
Inflexibility – Plans don’t easily transfer when moving to a new area
Cancellation fees – Cancelling a plan before death can lose you 30% or more

Overall, funeral plans make sense for some people but require careful comparison. Seek advice from your local funeral director to understand the options.

An alternative to funeral insurance is to simply open a savings account earmarked for the purpose. This avoids fees but lacks price guarantees.

Can I arrange a funeral in advance?

Yes, it is possible to make arrangements for your own funeral in advance if you wish. This is known as a pre-need funeral plan.

Arranging some details upfront can provide peace of mind and relieve relatives of some tasks. It also fixes prices against future inflation.

However, there are some limitations on making advanced funeral arrangements:

Venue bookings – Crematoria and cemeteries cannot be pre-booked. Date/time must be confirmed after death occurs.
Specific requests – Details like flowers, music, catering can be outlined but may need amending if suppliers are unavailable.
Portability – Arrangements with one funeral director won’t readily transfer if you later move away.
Changing wishes – Your preferences may change as health/circumstances evolve later in life.
Unknown costs – Extra fees applied at time of death mean total cost can only be estimated.

To make a funeral plan, either pre-pay instalments through an insurance plan, or provide notes of your wishes to executors or relatives. Ensure documents are stored safely but accessible.

Even with a detailed plan, some flexibility needs to be retained for funeral organisers after you pass away. Strike a balance between relieving them of all tasks, and denying them input during their grief.

How can I pay for a funeral with no money?

When funds are severely limited, covering the costs of a funeral can seem impossible. It’s an extremely stressful situation for grieving relatives.

If you are faced with paying for a funeral but have little or no available money, first take a deep breath. There are always solutions. Here are some options to consider:

Seek government bereavement benefits – payments may be available
Apply for a Social Fund Funeral Payment if on qualifying benefits
Ask about Probate loans using the estate as security for repayment later
Check eligibility for charitable grants with organisations like Fair Funerals
Set up a crowdfunding page and spread the word widely through social media
Negotiate delayed or instalment payments with the funeral director
Consider a direct cremation with no service if funds won’t stretch
Hold a low-cost memorial event at a later date when some funds are available
Receive guidance on available choices

Even when money is extremely tight, funeral directors will do everything possible to help give your loved one a respectful send-off. There are always affordable options. Don’t hesitate to confide in them regarding your situation.

With some creativity and willingness to do things differently, a fitting funeral can still be arranged. This will allow you to grieve without being haunted by financial stress.

Who pays when a child dies?

The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent. At such a painful time, financial matters will be the furthest thing from your mind. But it helps to understand what assistance is available with funeral costs.

There are various support options if your child passes away:

Children’s Funeral Fund – A government scheme covers all burial and cremation fees for under 18s in England. Parents simply need to complete an application form.
Bereavement Support Payment – You may qualify for a one-off £3,500 payment if your child was under 18. This helps with any funeral bills.
Charities – Organisations like Winston’s Wish or Child Bereavement UK may provide a grant.
Employer schemes – Some employers offer death benefits for staff that lose a child.
Insurance payouts – Check any life insurance held for your child.
Fundraising – Friends and family may wish to donate via an online page.

Talk to your funeral director about available support. Many funeral directors also waive or reduce some fees for child funerals.

While nothing can ease your pain, having funeral costs covered means one less thing to worry about. Focus on grief and healing during this devastating time.

Who pays when someone dies abroad?

When a loved one dies overseas, repatriating their remains home for a funeral adds further complexity and cost. This guide outlines who pays to bring them home:

If the person had travel insurance:

The insurance policy will cover costs of repatriation up to policy limits.
This will include transportation, documentation fees, basic casket, consular assistance.
The family will need to initiate a claims process with insurers urgently.

If the person had no travel insurance:

The deceased’s estate is liable for repatriation costs.
Their executor needs to work with consular officials and funeral directors to arrange this.
If funds are insufficient, relatives/friends must cover costs or bodies may be held.
Governments provide advice but limited financial help for repatriation.

If the family cannot afford repatriation:

Talk urgently with consular staff about options.
A local funeral abroad may be more affordable but has drawbacks.
Crowdfunding campaigns can potentially raise repatriation costs from public donations.
Some charities like the Sarah Jane Cochrane Foundation may assist with flights home.

Once repatriated – who pays for the funeral?

The estate of the deceased is still liable for funeral costs in their home country.
If there is insufficient funds, relatives/friends must pay according to normal rules.
Government assistance may be available via the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme if appropriate.

Losing a loved one abroad adds substantial stress and cost. But support is available from consulates, insurers, and specialist funeral directors and repatriation firms. Discuss options immediately to ease the financial burden.

Should I leave money for my funeral?

Planning what happens after you die can be morbid but also prudent. Leaving funds to cover your funeral relieves relatives of the expense.

Pros of leaving money for funeral costs:

Protects loved ones from unexpected expenses
Lets you personalise arrangements in advance
Avoids leaving funeral bills for relatives to settle
Provides certainty your wishes will be followed

Cons of prepaying funeral expenses:

Reduces assets left to beneficiaries
Money could be needed for care costs while alive

Summary

The spouse or partner is legally responsible for covering funeral costs, followed by children and other relatives if necessary; where no funds are available, the local authority provides a basic public health funeral.

The average cost of a modest funeral is £5,000-£7,000 but can be minimised by shopping around, stripping back non-essentials, and claiming any government support.

Pre-paid funeral plans or savings left by the deceased should be used first before asking relatives to contribute, and some people choose to pre-plan and pre-pay for their funeral to fix costs and protect loved ones.

However, this reduces assets left to beneficiaries. Councils provide public health funerals for the destitute at around £1,500, allowing dignified committal without ceremony. Overall, some forethought and exploration of options can significantly reduce the financial burden of funeral costs on grieving families.