Unexpected death & subsequent funeral costs

Billy_Dandy

My 46 year old son died today.
It was extremely unexpected. The timing would never be right of course but I have just commenced a self managed debt management plan. My CCA credit accounts are just beginning to default.

My son was in poor health and received disability benefits. 
He had no life insurance as he was high risk and premiums unaffordable.

I don't receive any benefits. I receive an occupational pension and carer's allowance. 
My wife has a state pension and Personal Independence Payment.

I really have no idea how I can pay for a funeral.

I'm looking for advice and ideas please. 

Thanks. 

Keep_pedalling

If your son’s estate does not have sufficient assets to pay for a funeral and you are unable to as well, the local authority have a duty to provide a simple funeral (or the NH.s if he died in hospital) Don’t appoint a funeral director as that will put you on the hook.


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance

Billy_Dandy

@Keep_pedalling
Thank you for those thoughts. I will read up on that possibility. 

400ixl

Sorry to hear of your loss.

The above advise is good, if his estate does not have the money, then look to have the local authority step in. You will of course want the best for the funeral, but don't get into further debt to do so when there may be alternatives.

gwynlas

I am really sorry for your loss and the situation you find yourself in.
These days there is no stigma attached to a simple funeral without the fripperies attached as many people are choosing cremation and seperate memorial services which can be as varied as you wish.
Dependent on what your family would like you could invite people to your home or a local pub to say farewell to your son

Silvertabby

My sympathies to you and your wife.

A friend, who used to work for a funeral director, tells me that Local Authority funerals are carried out with the same respect and dignity as 'paid for' funerals.  But you won't be able to choose the venue/time/date.  Usual procedure is a cremation, after which the ashes are scattered in the crematorium's garden of rememberance, or given to family/friends so they can be kept or scattered at a place of their choosing.  You can specify burial, usually for religious reasons, but you won't be able to erect a headstone or fit any other permanent memorial.

gt568

Just an FYI - York council refused to do a funeral for my MIL (complicated - but no one could or would be involved and no-one could pay).  They directly cremated her.

EnPointe

gt568 said:

Just an FYI - York council refused to do a funeral for my MIL (complicated - but no one could or would be involved and no-one could pay).  They directly cremated her.

which is inline with the  relevant legislation and the  governmental Guidance  - as  given in the previously cited  guidance document 

" 

• That by opting for a public health funeral, they are relinquishing responsibility for, and therefore control of, the funeral to the local authority. It is advised that the next of kin sign a consent form confirming their understanding of this point.
• Of the local arrangements for the funeral. In some cases, this can include some level of personalisation (if offered – see section 5) but ultimately decisions on the content and form of the funeral are for the local authority, rather than the next of kin."
  
  
  there appears to be no requirement, in law or the guidance, to offer  anything more than the most simple committal  service followed by  cremation or  interment in a common grave 

sheramber

gt568 said:

Just an FYI - York council refused to do a funeral for my MIL (complicated - but no one could or would be involved and no-one could pay).  They directly cremated her.

 What did you expect them to do considering it was being paid for with taxpayers' money?

Many people are having direct cremation out of choice these days

AskAsk

gt568 said:

Just an FYI - York council refused to do a funeral for my MIL (complicated - but no one could or would be involved and no-one could pay).  They directly cremated her.

I would expect this to be the case if the council has to pay for the costs.

gt568

sheramber said:

gt568 said:

Just an FYI - York council refused to do a funeral for my MIL (complicated - but no one could or would be involved and no-one could pay).  They directly cremated her.

 What did you expect them to do considering it was being paid for with taxpayers' money?

Many people are having direct cremation out of choice these days

I expected them to do what it said on the website.

https://www.york.gov.uk/PublicHealthFunerals

And as such my point was the OP may not be able to attend a funeral for his son at all and should be aware of that fact.