Affordable Couples Funeral Packages

ahll

Hi all,
Grandma and Grandad have set a side some money to be used for their funerals. However now Grandad has lost capacity and may end up staying in a CH permanently we are concerned that the LA will see this as just money that maybe used to pay towards any CH costs if they decide to.

We are therefore wondering if the best way to go is to get them a joint funeral package setup instead with the money set aside. Has anyone else had to deal with a similar situation ?

We have been to age concern and they gave us a leaflet on their package. They also told us that it was a legitimate expense that the LA could grumbly about it when assessment takes place.

We are open to suggestion of the best course of action on this matter and recommendations of good affordable packages.

Thanks in advance

duchy

The Co-op does one.

I've mystery shopped for this product and found the staff in all the branches I visited to be very helpful

Savvy_Sue

Don't feel you have to get a couple's package if it means they both have to have roughly the same, only go for that if they can each 'do their own thing'.

Get them a plan each if it's too restrictive.

I realise they might each WANT to do the same, but you can't assume these things!

ahll

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Don't feel you have to get a couple's package if it means they both have to have roughly the same, only go for that if they can each 'do their own thing'.

Get them a plan each if it's too restrictive.

I realise they might each WANT to do the same, but you can't assume these things!

Due to a limit on money available it wouldn't be possible at this time to buy them a package each. How I understand it from Age UK is that you can put both names down and whom ever passes first gets it. The hope being by the time the other one needs it we will have saved and got something sorted for them.

I believed you can get money from the government to help pay for funerals (especially if you are on a low income)...so I am also wondering if doing nothing and letting them have the money saved to live off is actually the wisest financial move ! Any comments ?

It's hard to know what to do for the best when you new to sorting out all this kind of stuff !

Savvy_Sue

ahll wrote: »

I believed you can get money from the government to help pay for funerals (especially if you are on a low income)...so I am also wondering if doing nothing and letting them have the money saved to live off is actually the wisest financial move ! Any comments ?

You have to be on certain means-tested benefits, and it's based on the person who arranges the funeral. If you can afford to buy one plan, then I'd do that rather than relying on it, it's by no means straightforward and the payment is unlikely to cover the full cost, it will be a very basic affair.

sheep-ali

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

You have to be on certain means-tested benefits, and it's based on the person who arranges the funeral. If you can afford to buy one plan, then I'd do that rather than relying on it, it's by no means straightforward and the payment is unlikely to cover the full cost, it will be a very basic affair.

It is not even as simple as being based on the person who arranges the funeral, as I found out to my cost
All other relatives, even in-laws, have to be receiving means-tested benefits as well.
If you can afford a plan, the go for it.

Mojisola

ahll wrote: »

Due to a limit on money available it wouldn't be possible at this time to buy them a package each. How I understand it from Age UK is that you can put both names down and whom ever passes first gets it. The hope being by the time the other one needs it we will have saved and got something sorted for them.

My parents did this and then saved the money for the second funeral and bought another plan.

ahll

Mojisola wrote: »

My parents did this and then saved the money for the second funeral and bought another plan.

Something to also bear in mind is that the second funeral can be payed for out of the persons estate..assuming there will be some money or a house to sell as after they passes.