Financial Assistance from the DSS
Please note that the information given below is provided as a helpful guide only. Further details should be sought from the DSS before making a claim.

In cases of financial hardship, the Government's Social Fund can contribute, among other things, the following towards the funeral expenses:

• The cost of reopening a grave or of opening of new grave and the associated burial costs.
• The cremation fee and any necessary doctors certificates
• Up to £700 for any other funeral expenses

The person responsible for making funeral arrangements is entitled to receive these payments if:

• He/She or his/her partner is getting one of the following qualifying benefits:
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Family Credit
  • Disability Working Allowance

  
  ...and...

• he/she has made the funeral arrangements but does not have enough money to pay the full cost.

  ...and...

• it is reasonable for he/her to pay for the cost of the funeral because he/she is the partner of the deceased or, if the deceased did not have a partner, he/she is a close relative.

The white Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar should be sent to you local social security office together with a completed form SF200 where a claim for Death Grant can be completed. The claim must be made within 3 months of the funeral, but it advisable to lodge the claim as soon as possible after the death. The Funeral Director's final bill should be forwarded to the social security office as soon as it is received. If the claim is successful the Grant will normally be paid within 10 days and is usually in the form of a Giro Cheque made out to the Funeral Director.

Insurance Policies
Insurance companies should be notified as soon as possible of the death of an insured person. Insurance cover on vehicles owned and insured solely by the deceased ceases immediately at the time of death. On notifying the insurance company, cover can be immediately transferred, although the vehicle registration book and the deceased's driving licence should be returned to the appropriate issuing authorities.

Making the Funeral Arrangements
Most people visit a Funeral Director once the death has been registered, to help make arrangements for the funeral. Unless instructed otherwise by the client, the Funeral Director will take responsibility for organising the chosen venue for the funeral service (if appropriate) and committal and for securing the services or an appropriate minister or other officiant.

At this stage you will need to pass the green Disposal Certificate to the Funeral Director. If cremation is required, an Application for Cremation (known as a Form A) will need to be completed and signed.

A written estimate of the total costs of the funeral will be provided at this time or as soon as practicable before the day of the funeral and all fees (known as disbursements) will be paid on your behalf. After the funeral you will be provided with a detailed account, which will include both the disbursements and the Funeral Director's own fees.