What If You Can’t Afford a Funeral?

Funerals are a significant event in the grieving process, providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honour and say goodbye to a loved one. However, the funeral cost can be a major challenge for many families, causing additional stress during an already difficult time. 

In this article, we will explore the options available for those who cannot afford a funeral, including the services provided by companies like https://rosycompany.co.uk/.

Importance of Funerals

Funerals hold great cultural and social significance in many societies, serving as a final farewell to the deceased and a way for loved ones to pay their respects. They also provide a space for the community to come together and support those grieving.

Challenges of Affording a Funeral

Funerals can be expensive, with costs varying depending on the type of service and location. The cost of a traditional funeral can easily run into thousands of pounds, leaving many families struggling to find the funds to pay for it. This is where funeral companies can assist by offering affordable and flexible funeral services.

Options for Those Who Can’t Afford a Funeral

Government Assistance

Eligibility Criteria

The UK government provides financial assistance to those unable to afford a funeral. To be eligible for this assistance, the applicant must receive benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit and be responsible for paying for the funeral. Additionally, the deceased must have lived in the UK permanently or be considered a refugee or asylum seeker.

Types of Assistance Available

The government offers two forms of assistance for those who cannot afford a funeral: Funeral Expenses Payment and Bereavement Support Payment. 

• Funeral Expenses Payment is a one-time payment that covers essential funeral expenses, such as burial or cremation fees, up to a maximum of £700. 
• Bereavement Support is a one-time payment of £2,000 for those who have lost a spouse or civil partner.

Public Health Funeral

A Public Health Funeral, also known as a “pauper’s funeral,” is arranged and paid for by the local council or government authority. These funerals are typically provided for individuals who have died with no known family or have no means to pay for a funeral.

Public Health Funerals are basic and carried out with minimal ceremony, typically without religious or cultural rites. They may include a simple cremation or burial in a communal grave. As the local council is responsible for arranging the funeral, they will also determine the location and timing of the funeral.

While Public Health Funerals may not be as personalised or elaborate as traditional funerals, they provide a dignified send-off for individuals who may otherwise have been buried in an unmarked grave without ceremony. The local council typically bears the funeral cost, and any assets left by the deceased may be used to cover the funeral cost.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a popular option for those who need to raise funds quickly. It involves setting up a fundraising campaign on a crowdfunding platform and sharing the campaign on social media and other online platforms. Friends, family, and even strangers can donate to the campaign, helping cover the funeral’s cost.

How to Start a Crowdfunding Campaign?

To start a crowdfunding campaign, the applicant can choose from various platforms such as GoFundMe or JustGiving. They must set up a fundraising page, including information about the deceased and the funeral expenses. Sharing the campaign on social media and other platforms is important to increase visibility and encourage donations.

Funeral Loans

Funeral loans are a type of personal loan specifically designed to cover the cost of a funeral. These loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards and can be an option for those who do not qualify for government assistance.

How to Apply for a Funeral Loan?

The applicant must provide information about their income and credit score to apply for a funeral loan. They will also need to provide information about the funeral expenses, such as the cost of the coffin, transportation, and ceremony. Once approved, the loan can be used to cover the funeral cost.

Direct Cremation

A direct cremation is a low-cost option that involves the deceased being cremated without a formal funeral service. This option can significantly reduce the funeral cost, as there are no expenses related to embalming, a casket, or a funeral service.

Comparison of Direct Cremation to a Traditional Funeral

Direct cremation is a simple and affordable option that can provide a dignified farewell for the deceased. However, it is important to note that there will be no formal funeral service, which may not be suitable for everyone. 

On the other hand, a traditional funeral provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honour and say goodbye to the deceased. However, it can be significantly more expensive than direct cremation.

What is the Cheapest Way to Have a Funeral?

The cheapest way to have a funeral in the UK is through direct cremation. Direct cremation is a simple and basic option involving the deceased’s cremation without any ceremony or funeral service.

Direct cremation does not involve embalming, funeral service, or other traditional funeral components. The deceased’s body is typically collected from the place of death and transported to the crematorium in a simple coffin or container. The cremation takes place without any family or friends in attendance.

Direct cremation is typically much cheaper than a traditional funeral because it does not involve many of the additional costs associated with a funeral, such as a venue hire, catering, transport, and other fees. However, it is important to note that the cost of a direct cremation can vary depending on the funeral provider and location.

While direct cremation may not be suitable for everyone, it provides a cost-effective option for families who cannot afford a traditional funeral or do not wish to have a full funeral service.

Bottom Line

Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be especially challenging if the cost of a funeral is unaffordable. However, several options are available for those struggling to pay for a funeral. Government assistance, crowdfunding, funeral loans, and direct cremation are all viable options.

Planning for the future can help alleviate some of the financial burdens of funeral expenses. Pre-planning a funeral and purchasing funeral insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that the cost of a funeral will be covered.

No one should have to bear the financial burden of a funeral alone. If you struggle to pay for a funeral, do not hesitate to seek assistance. Resources are available to help ensure your loved one receives a dignified farewell.