Funeral Costs

KatieB1959

Hi, I am in receipt of benefits, I don't have any savings or property, as I rent. I have two adult children who both work. When I die would my children be liable to cover the cost of my funeral?

born_again

As a rule yes, unless you have funds in your estate.

p00hsticks

No, they wouldn't be liable. 
They could say that they are unable or unwilling to organise and/or pay for a funeral, in which case the local authority will organise a 'public health funeral'. 
Public health funerals: good practice guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Funeral costs are the first call on a person's estate so if you did leave any money in the bank or personal possessions that could be sold such as cars etc then, as that link says, the local authority would then have a claim on the estate to recoup as far as possible the costs of the funeral.

Brie

some councils will cover the cost if the family can't be found, there are no assets or the family simply refuses.  no one can be made to pay other than you - but it sounds like you won't be leaving anything behind.

if the council does take the cost it will be the simplest of things, no ceremony, just an internment (I think that's the right term) or cremation.

KatieB1959

Thank you all for your replies.  I only want a Direct Cremation, nobody at all to attend.  I can't see them refusing to pay and they would be easy to find.

Brie

Yes but there's refusing (in a "never liked her" kinda way) and then there's refusing (in a "OMG, how are we going to feed the kids if we pay for this" way).  They shouldn't feel obliged if it's going to cause them problems. 

Have you told them what you want?  It's very helpful, a relief to many and a good way to set up a very adult relationship with one's children.  

Flugelhorn

the council will pay if the person has no assets, they do however hope that the relatives will take it upon themselves to arrange and pay for it and they won't have to get involved. 

KatieB1959

@Brie Yes, I have told them both that I only want a Direct Cremation.

[Deleted User]

Hi.

have a wee read HERE.

KatieB1959

@frugalmacdugal Love the name by the way    

"The local authority will do their best to trace and notify a person’s closest relatives, termed their next of kin, through any contact details or paperwork left by the person who died.

In some cases, a family may be notified about the death of a relative they had been estranged from. The family may be unable or unwilling to pay for the funeral, especially if the person who died left no estate from which to recover the funeral costs.

When this is the case, the next of kin will be asked to make a written statement to confirm that they are not prepared to arrange the funeral."

I can't see that happening and we are not estranged.  But I didn't want to leave them with that responsibility either

elsien

Brie said:

some councils will cover the cost if the family can't be found, there are no assets or the family simply refuses.  no one can be made to pay other than you - but it sounds like you won't be leaving anything behind.

if the council does take the cost it will be the simplest of things, no ceremony, just an internment (I think that's the right term) or cremation.

Some councils will provide a very simple ceremony. That depends on the specific area. 

The bottom line is that whoever arranges the funeral is legally obliged to pay for it. If there is enough money in the dead persons estate and that can be used;  if not, it’s down to whoever has been to the funeral director and signed on the dotted line.