Help with funeral costs in Scotland

fiddlerontheroof

I am finding myself in a strange situation.

My father who I haven't seen for most of my life and who hasn't shown any interest in me as a child has passed away.

He has had several kids. But as I am the only one he managed to get in touch with he put me down as next of kin.

He got divorced from his last marriage in 1999, and the whereabouts of his former wife and their kids are unknown.

He died after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 'only' 59 when he died and has been receiving disability allowance and income support for the last year.

I don't know exactly what to do now?
Whether I should get in touch with the environmental health department to arrange for the body to be taken care off, or whether I should fulfil my last duty as 'next of kin' to arrange a funeral and bear the costs.

Apparently there is help available for people who are receiving certain benefits at the time of claiming help with funeral costs. I have also heard that in Scotland for everyone who dies before they reach 60 years of age, there will be a payment of about £1000 to cover the costs. But don't know who to ask about this.

My financial situation is borderline. I am not receiving any benefits at the moment, but would possibly qualify for some benefits, i.e. housing and council tax benefits.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? (Not that I would wish this upon anyone.)
And what is the best way to go about it?
Would it be possible to ask a funeral director to send his bill directly to the social security?

Thanks for any help

ps the body is held at the hospital, and no funeral service has been contacted so far, nor has my dad made any prearrangements, or taken out any insurances, his estate is virtually non existent

bestpud

I don't know the answer but was just wondering if it's worth contacting your local council and asking them? If they don't know, they should at least be able to find out. Or does your dad's local council have a website - might just say on there?

Alternatively you could find a Scottish funeral director in Scotland and ask for advice as they should be aware of any grants etc.

Best wishes with whatever you decide to do and I hope you get some answers soon,

Helen

twink

go to https://www.adviceguide.org.uk and click on benefits might help or else get advice from local social security office try https://www.dwp.gov.uk and click on a-z f for funerals might be of some help

mentaljessie

When I had to arrange a funeral for my Grandad he had no savings and was a pensioner. I went to the benefits agency and they paid for the funeral up to a specific cost and and I and Mum had to pay had to pay about £200 in extras. We used the co-op who were very helpful. If you pay a visit to the benefits office they will explain all options to you and you don't have to queue either. Also I'm sorry to hear about your loss

Edinburghlass_2

Thread duplicated in the Benefits Board, so this one is now being closed