What you need to know about funeral planning
Arranging a funeral is a task that needs to be completed upon a loved one’s death, but it can make an already difficult time even more stressful.
Some of the initial points of consideration include: whether the person will be buried or cremated; where and when the funeral should take place; what readings and music you would like during the service; and whether flowers are required/welcomed.
The deceased may have left a written record of their funeral wishes, so it is important to check this, but funeral arrangements sometimes start before the Will has been retrieved. Most families will seek the help of a professional to take care of the arrangements. Fees can vary, so it may be beneficial to shop around and obtain detailed quotes from various Funeral Directors.
Paying for a funeral is not always the responsibility of the deceased’s loved ones, as the estate can cover the cost. The person arranging the funeral may be able to access funds from the deceased’s bank account to pay the bill directly. When this isn’t possible, expenses can be reimbursed from the estate at a later date. In some cases, the deceased may have already paid for their funeral or left money in their estate to cover it.
Other options include a Public Health Funeral, provided by local authorities, and a Funeral Expenses Payment, a government scheme to help those with low income afford their loved one’s funeral. You can also plan for your funeral expenses in your lifetime with a pre-paid funeral plan (paying entirely in advance of your death) or an over 50s plan (a monthly premium policy).