what happens if you cant afford a funeral

If the family cannot afford a funeral even with benefits, then the hospital or the Local authority are required to make the arrangements. Very basic funeral which family and friends are entitled to attend.

Families can ask for the similiar level of funeral if they wish, but are very unlikely to be offered the option without asking.

If someone dies and leaves no money or assets, then it will usually be down to their family to pay for a funeral. If the person making the funeral arrangements (usually a partner or close relative) is in receipt of a qualifying benefit, then you may be entitled to a payment from the Social Fund. This can cover the cremation and doctors fees and £700 towards the Funeral Directors & Minister's costs.

Claims are made using form SF200 which can be downloaded GOV.UK, or can be obtained from your local Jobcentre plus, or by calling the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0845 606 0265

It is important to understand that it does NOT matter what benefits the person who has died may have been receiving. Decisions regarding Funeral Payments from the Social Fund are linked to benefits that the family members receive. If there are close family members who do NOT receive qualifying benefits, then your claim may be unsuccessful.

Any money you do get is usually paid back from the deceased person’s estate (if they have one).

Full, clear and comprehensive information is available on the GOV.UK website

If your husband, wife or civil partner has died you may be able to get Bereavement Payment: a one-off, tax-free, lump-sum payment of £2,000. There are eligibility criteria relating to payment of National Insurance Contributions and for the recipient to be under state pension age at the time of the death.

There are some situations when families genuinely have no funds to pay for a funeral (this can often be the case if a claim to the Social Fund is turned down), or when there is no next-of-kin or relatives to take on the arrangements.

Under these circumstances, the Local Authority will usually have some form of agreement with a local Funeral Director, and they will arrange and pay for a basic, yet respectful funeral (there is no longer any such thing as a "pauper's funeral"). If the deceased died in a hospital, the funeral would be arranged and paid for by the NHS. It will usually be possible for family & friends to attend the funeral, but exact details will vary depending on the authority involved.