The average cost of a funeral in the UK is a staggering £4,800. For many, this is a daunting figure. Planning a funeral for a loved one is already a challenging and emotional task, without the added stress of financial concerns.
DirectCremation.co.uk is here to help with funeral costs. We offer direct cremation at the more affordable price of £895. Direct cremation separates the cremation itself, from any funeral or memorial services. This allows us to keep costs down.
There are certain government grants you may be eligible for. The UK Funeral Expense Payment will typically cover the entire cost of a funeral with us.
To speak to a member of our experienced team, call us on 0800 133 7961, or send an email to [email protected].
The UK Funeral Expenses Payment
If you are a close relative, partner, or friend of the deceased and also a recipient of certain benefits or tax credits, you may be entitled for the UK Funeral Expenses Payment.
The UK Funeral Expenses Payment is typically £1000 plus the cremation fee. Whilst this won’t cover a normal funeral, at DirectCremation.co.uk it covers all of our costs, so there won’t be any excess left to pay. Unless the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, in which case you’ll receive up to £120 for items not already covered in the plan.
Who is eligible for the UK Funeral Expenses Payment?
In order to qualify for the payment, you must fulfil three criteria.
The first is to be the individual responsible with arranging the funeral.
Secondly, you must be either the partner of the deceased at their time of passing, a close relative, or a close friend.
Finally, you or your partner must already be getting one or more of the following benefits or tax credits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
However, you may not qualify if another close relative of the deceased is currently employed.
How to claim
Claims can be made over the phone and can be done prior to the funeral itself, providing that you have already received an invoice from us. The application must be made within 6 months of the funeral, and can be made even whilst you are waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit.
If you are eligible, the money will usually be paid directly to us, unless you have already paid for the funeral, in which case the money will be issued into your bank account.
If the deceased had an estate before they died, money will usually be used from here to repay the payment. The estate includes any money or property (unless the house was left to a widow, widower, or surviving civil partner) belonging to the deceased. If you do not qualify for the UK Funeral Expenses Payment, money from the estate may be used to cover the funeral costs instead.
For more information about the UK Funeral Expenses Payment, go to https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments. Alternatively, call the government helpline on 0800 731 0469.
How does DirectCremation.co.uk keep costs down?
Our standard rate for a direct cremation is £895, which is £3,905 cheaper than the average funeral in the UK. This is achievable because of direct cremation.
Direct cremation, also known as unattended cremation or direct funerals, is a low cost alternative to more traditional funerals. Your loved one is cremated privately at one of our regional crematoria, and there is no service at the time of cremation. This means that there is no need for the added expense of hiring out a chapel or other venue. Many families then choose to arrange their own memorial celebrations at a later date.
How can Direct Cremation help with funeral costs?
Unlike most funeral directors, We won’t take any deposits or upfront payments.
Standard payment terms are within 2 weeks after the cremation has taken place, whereas most other funeral directors insist on being paid upfront.
To get in touch with us with any queries, or to begin making arrangements, give us a call on 0800 133 7961. Alternatively, contact a member of our team via email, at [email protected].