Funeral expenses help

Bowey123

My friend claims UC because of ill health.  Her widowed mother has just died.  Her sister who has a well paid job is more or less estranged from the family and would be unlikely to help with funeral costs.   The question is whether my friend could claim help with funeral costs?

la531983

My reply in this other recent thread also apt here

Funeral costs and bills for carer — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Keep_pedalling

Her mother’s estate is responsible for funeral costs not the family. Did she make a will?

If the estate is insolvent and no one else is willing or able to pay for a funeral then the LA can provide a simple funeral.

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

gwynlas

As well as the information above your friend can opt for a memorial  service for her mother.
This could be a simple as inviting friends for tea and biscuits or attending a religious service where prayers are offerred

la531983

gwynlas said:

As well as the information above your friend can opt for a memorial  service for her mother.
This could be a simple as inviting friends for tea and biscuits or attending a religious service where prayers are offerred

Well yes of course but the fact remains either cremating or burying someone isnt free.

TELLIT01

la531983 said:

gwynlas said:

As well as the information above your friend can opt for a memorial  service for her mother.
This could be a simple as inviting friends for tea and biscuits or attending a religious service where prayers are offerred

Well yes of course but the fact remains either cremating or burying someone isnt free.

It's not free, but if family can't or won't pay for it the council provides a basic services, as mentioned by @Keep_pedalling.

Bowey123

Many thanks to those who have replied.  What is the difference between a local authority arranged funeral and ‘funeral expenses payment’ provided by DWP?

p00hsticks

Bowey123 said:

Many thanks to those who have replied.  What is the difference between a local authority arranged funeral and ‘funeral expenses payment’ provided by DWP?

The DWP funeral expenses payment is a sum of money paid to the claimant, which may or may not cover the entire cost of the funeral, which will need to be organised by the claimant.
Get help with funeral costs (Funeral Expenses Payment): How it works - GOV.UK

A local authority arranged ('Public Health') funeral is one where the authority takes charge of organising (usually) the cremation the body, but will expect payment towards doing this if there is any money in the deceased's estate. 
More info here
Public health funerals: good practice guidance - GOV.UK

sheramber

Bowey123 said:

Many thanks to those who have replied.  What is the difference between a local authority arranged funeral and ‘funeral expenses payment’ provided by DWP?

A local authority arranged funeral is exactly that. They take over and arrange a basic cremation or burial. 

You have no input or control of when or where.

Cairnpapple

There is a website that lists out ways to reduce funeral costs and to find ways to pay for the funeral. They also have a helpline but it looks like it may be overloaded currently. I have no experience of this organisation but have seen them linked by the Good Funeral Guide.

https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-earth

Bowey123

It says on the DWP site that if a close relative is in work or not receiving a qualifying benefit then you may not get the payment.  Under what circumstances would someone get it or not get it.   The well paid family member is virtually estranged and would be unlikely to be willing to pay. There is no money in the estate.