Confused by funeral costs? Trying to find out how much a funeral costs, especially at what is often an emotional time, can be difficult. Costs can vary depending on what you’d like and funeral
Paying for a Funeral
directors often present their costs publicly in different ways,
You may be asked for a deposit or the whole funeral to be paid
if at all, making it difficult to compare like-for-like costs. This
upfront or, like us, they may pay for everything on your behalf.
article aims to give an understanding of how to work out the
A final bill is issued within 14 days of the funeral taking place.
rough cost, and what options are available when it comes to
It may be an option to pay by instalments if you discuss with
paying for a funeral.
your funeral director.
Funeral costs
Most banks and building societies will, upon receipt of the bill
According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2022* the
and copy of the Death Certificate, pay the bill directly from the
average cost of a funeral in 2021 was £4,056. A funeral is
deceased’s account rather than waiting for it to be paid from
usually split into two areas:
the estate.
1) Costs payable to the funeral director, known as professional services 2) Disbursements – payments to third parties such as officiants and doctors etc on your behalf
You may be entitled to Government support (a Funeral Expenses Payment) if you meet certain criteria. However the payment won’t cover all costs, and how much you receive will depend on your circumstances.
There is a funeral that is growing in popularity, due to its low cost; the unattended funeral or “direct cremation”. This
Some grants are available for certain professions, if the
is a funeral without a service utilising an early slot at a local
deceased person worked in a trade or industry for two years
crematorium or in some cases a private crematorium.
or more. Speak to the HR department for more information.
Every funeral is unique and the cost of an attended funeral
* www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/cost-of-dying/cost-of-dying-report.pdf/
n
will depend on the options chosen for the service including:
J Whether you’re considering burial or cremation J The coffin J Floral tributes J Limousines J Funeral notice/obituary J A funeral tea/wake Some funeral directors offer set prices and options, however, these don’t always include everything you’d expect resulting in hidden charges. We’d suggest contacting local, trusted funeral directors for a quote. Getting like-for-like quotes ensures you don’t receive prices for very different services.
Kelly Bowsher is the the first female funeral director, and soon to be family member, at Tom Owen and Son – an award-winning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in the beautiful setting of Llandudno. As Funeral Directors based in Llandudno for over 90 years, they have a wealth of experience and have been serving the local and neighbouring communities for many years. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit www.tomowenandson.com/ help-advice/financial-advice
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