What should I do when someone dies?

 

When death occurs, call your minister and a funeral director, who is ‘on call’ 24 hours a day every day of the year. The funeral director will contact a minister on your behalf if you wish.

Who makes the funeral arrangements?

 

The funeral arrangements can be made at the funeral director’s office or at the family home. If a church is chosen for the place for the service, be assured that the funeral director is familiar with the rites and customs of all denominations. After ascertaining the family’s wishes regarding the funeral, contact will be made with the minister about the service and the necessary arrangements for burial or cremation.

Should we hold a funeral service?

 

A funeral acknowledges that death has occurred and also that a life has been lived. For Christian people there is the hope of eternity, both for the bereaved and the deceased, which is expressed through the prayers, scripture and music. The giving of spiritual comfort can be of great help at a time of death.

Should a funeral service be left as a private event?

 

It is not usual, but of course possible. However, while you remember your loved one it is likely that others will remember as well. Death touches and affects relatives, friends and others in a variety of ways. The funeral can provide everyone with an opportunity to acknowledge and to respond to the change that death has brought about. Experience indicates that this will not be accomplished by getting the funeral over fast, or as quietly, as possible.

Can a funeral service help me?

 

The minister can give understanding support to those who mourn and help you in preparing the service. Talking together at this time may enable you to accept the reality of what has happened. This should make the service personal to you and your family. The fact of death will not be avoided but placed in the wider perspective of eternal life.

Can children attend a funeral service?

 

This is a question which is often asked. Children of any age can certainly attend funeral services but the child must be prepared so they know what to expect. Time must be given to answer their questions both before and after the funeral. It is most important that the child is asked whether they want to attend.

What type of clothing is usual worn to a funeral service?

 

Most funerals are dignified occasions with elements of formality. This may guide your choice of what to wear.

Who issues a Death Certificate?

 

The registrar of Births and Deaths. Your funeral director, doctor, hospital authority or coroner’s officer can tell you what to do and where to go if death occurs.

What is a Coroner/Procurator Fiscal?

 

A Coroner investigates sudden or unexplained death in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and every county has to appoint one or more Coroners who are experienced doctors or lawyers. A death occurring in these circumstances is usually reported to the Coroner by the police or by a doctor. Sometimes this is done by the Registrar. If the death is not due to natural causes the Coroner is obliged by law to hold an inquest.
NB. The Procurator Fiscal carries out similar duties in Scotland.

Who makes the funeral arrangements?

 

The funeral arrangements can be made at the funeral director’s office or at the family home. If a church is chosen for the place for the service, be assured that the funeral director is familiar with the rites and customs of all denominations. After ascertaining the family’s wishes regarding the funeral, contact will be made with the minister about the service and the necessary arrangements for burial or cremation.

What about embalming?

 

The body must be embalmed for transporting to most countries and for long distances within the UK – In the absence of specific instructions on the part of the family most funeral homes will embalm. If viewing is requested or a long period of time before burial or cremation is involved it is usually required by the home.

What does an average funeral cost?

 

A quoted average can be misleading and does not give all the answers. You should ask the funeral director about burial and cremation charges and receive an explanation of their services. Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors, for example, are obliged by their Code of Practice to have price lists available and to give written estimates. Most important, a family may select the funeral that suits their wishes and circumstances.

How can I obtain a simple funeral service?

 

Any members of the National Association of Funeral Directors, for example, provides funerals to meet the wishes and circumstances of all. Most important, the family may select their own funeral price. All members of the Association are bound by their Code of Practice to offer a simple funeral.

Can a family arrange a burial or cremation directly with cemetery or crematorium?

 

Yes, but arrangements for the funeral are usually made by a funeral director, not by the family, to save unnecessary stress.

Is there a difference in cost between burial and cremation?

 

The funeral director’s charges for cremation are usually similar to those for burial, but the cost of purchasing a grave and a memorial tends to make the total cost of burial more expensive than cremation.

How much do cemetery plots cost?

 

There is a great variation in the prices of graves from one area to another. Cemeteries are operated by private and public companies, some will be operated by churches or local authorities as a service to their people and hence there could be a large difference in rates. There will be extra charges for the opening and closing of graves. Some cemeteries will permit two or more internments in a single grave. Most cemeteries have regulations which govern the size of headstones or ground level markers. Your funeral director will have the costs for the various cemeteries in the local area and can give you advice.

What are the funeral costs for a stillborn or newly born baby?

 

The health authority may offer to arrange a burial or cremation, free of charge, for every stillborn baby, whether born in hospital or at home. You should discuss the funeral arrangements with the hospital staff. If you accept the offer, the baby will be cremated or buried at a simple ceremony. The parents can, if they wish, arrange the funeral themselves with a local funeral director to meet their own beliefs, the charges will then depend on the services required. Cemetery and cremation fees, if applicable, will be over and above whatever charges the funeral director may make. Fees and charges are often reduced and sometimes waived but vary with locality. The majority of churches do not make a charge for the funeral of a child under 12 months. Estimates of costs are given by members of the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Can funeral arrangements be made in advance?

 

Yes. This facility has been offered by funeral directors for many years. Instructions, as given to the funeral director, are filed with the funeral director until required. Most families will also prepay the funds necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement. It must be remembered that funds placed with a prepayment organization to arrange for goods and services in advance of need, will pay no interest and in most cases will not be refunded in full. It is a good idea to make your wishes known to your family but do not make unreasonable requests that will be difficult for them to meet.

Who can help from the Social Fund of The Department of Work and Pensions?

 

You may get help if you have insufficient money to pay for a funeral. You are responsible for arranging and you or your partner are claiming:-

a) Income Support b) Housing Benefit c) Council Tax Benefit
d) Family Credit e) Disability Working Allowance

The Benefits Agency of the Department for Work and Pensions will give further information regarding conditions attached to the claims and payment. Payments have to be paid back to the Social Fund from any estate of the person who died.

Can a family add to the allowance received from the Social Fund for a Funeral?

 

Yes, however, family and friends may pay for additional items which have not been included in the grant from the Social Fund.

Can a funeral director arrange for a funeral at a distance?

 

Yes. All arrangements can be made for transporting and preparation through your local funeral director.

What procedure should be followed if a death occurs whilst away from home?

 

Contact your home town funeral director immediately. Your home town funeral director will assume responsibility for the return of the deceased person and may engage the services of a funeral director in the place of death who will act as an agent. Usually arrangements made in this manner will be less costly to the family involved.

Does the deceased have to be accompanied or have an escort when moved to a distant location?

 

No.

Do cemeteries and crematoria have chapels for services?

 

Most of them do. Many families may prefer to use their local church for the main part of the service followed by burial or cremation.

If a family has no church affiliation, who will officiate at the service?

 

The funeral director would normally use your local minister but if you require a non-religious service, a secular celebrant can be obtained.

Is there a fee for the minister for the use of the church?

 

Yes, this in included in the total cost.

Can a Roman Catholic be cremated?

 

Yes, however Catholics are encouraged to take part in a Funeral Mass before the committal at the crematorium.

What is done with cremated remains?

 

Cremated remains may be left with the crematorium for scattering or burial or may be returned to the next-of-kin. However, many families choose to have the remains buried, after suitable prayers, in a family plot specially designated sections of a cemetery or churchyard.

Does anyone have to witness the cremation?

 

A witness is not necessary but can be arranged if requested.

How can I express sympathy?

 

(a) Flowers:

(b) Memorial Donations: To some families the idea of a memorial contribution to a special cause or charity is as much appreciated as flowers. However, requests can be misinterpreted as dictating to friends the manner in which they should express their sympathy. Your funeral director can assist you with the wording to be used in the newspaper notice which should express your preferences with tact.

(c) Mass Cards: The offering of prayers for the soul of someone who has died is perhaps the most valued expression of sympathy to a Roman Catholic and some Anglican families. A card indicating that a Mass for the Dead has been arranged is available through any Catholic Church.

What is a memorial service?

 

A service conducted by a minister or lay person in a church or chapel where the deceased person’s body is not present. The family is usually present at this service which is customarily held sometime after the funeral. Some churches and crematoria hold an annual memorial service.

How can I give my body for medical research?

 

Those considering a donation of their body to a medical school should contact the specific school and ask for a Bequeathal Form and should understand the requirements of the school and what costs may be involved. Consideration should also be given to what affects the donation may have upon the family survivors. The Professor of the Department of Anatomy reserves the right to refuse the offer of a Bequeathal due to circumstances at the time of death. There is no guarantee of acceptance of any body at any time. Relatives who desire to reclaim the body for private burial or creation may do so by making written request on the Bequeathal Form at the time of death. In this case all expenses concerned with burial or cremation must be borne by the estate of the deceased. Usually, this is approximately 18 months to 3 years following receipt of the body by the University. (It should be noted that not all Universities allow the body to be reclaimed for private burial or cremation).

Can I donate kidneys, etc.?

 

As a result of the advance in medical transplant knowledge and technique it is now possible for more and more people to be restored to health. There is a continuing need for organ donors and as most organs must be removed within eight hours there should be no delay. It is imperative that your family is aware of your wishes in this matter.

What are Bereavement Benefits?

 

This is a weekly benefit which is paid to widows and widowers aged 45 or over without dependent children. It is paid up to a maximum of 52 weeks following the date of death. The weekly rate payable to a widow or widower aged between 45 and 54 is related to their age at the date of entitlement.
To qualify:
You must be a widow or widower who was aged 45 or over but under pensions age on the date of your partner’s death.

You must still be under pension age.

Your spouse must have paid NI contributions (unless they died of an industrial injury or prescribed disease).

What is Widowed Parent’s Allowance?

 

This is a weekly benefit which is paid to widowed parents with children whom are entitled to be treated as entitled to Child Benefit and who satisfy the following conditions:
You must be a widow or widower under pension age

You are entitled to child benefit in respect of at least one child or you are pregnant by your late husband

Your spouse must have paid NI contributions (unless they died of an industrial injury or prescribed disease).

What is Bereavement Payment?

 

This is a one-off, tax-free lump sum payment of £2,000 which is payable immediately to help with costs arising on bereavement. It can be paid in addition to Widowed Parent’s Allowance or Bereavement Allowance.

To qualify:

Your late spouse must have satisfied the National Insurance contribution condition*

(Unless they died of an industrial injury or disease), and either

You were under pension age when your spouse died, or

If you were over pension age, your spouse was not entitled to a Category A Retirement Pension when he or she died.

A claim must be made within 12 months of the spouse’s death.

Can I get Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Bereavement Allowance at the same time.?

 

You cannot get Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Bereavement Allowance at the same time.

If I am over the state pension age when I become widowed will I receive extra Retirement Pension?

 

If you were over state pension age when you were widowed you may get extra Retirement Pension based on your husband’s or wife’s NI contributions.

If my husband or wife died as a result of their job would I still be able to get benefits even if they didn't pay enough NI?

 

If your husband or wife died as a result of their job, you may be able to get bereavement benefits if they did not pay enough NI.

Can I still receive benefits if I already have some contribution based ones?

 

If you have other contribution based benefits if may affect the amount of bereavement benefits that you receive.

Am I still eligible for bereavement benefits if I was divorced from my Husband / Wife?

 

You cannot get bereavement benefits if you were divorced from your husband or wife.

Can I get benefits if I remarry or live with my partner but we are not married?

 

You cannot get bereavement benefits if you remarry or if you live with a partner as if you were married to them.

How does it effect my benefits if I work??

 

Bereavement benefits are not affected if you work.

What is a Social Fund Funeral Payment?

 

This is a one-off payment to assist with meeting funeral expenses. It is recommended that anyone who is unsure whether they are entitled to claim completes a form and receives a formal decision. The claim should be made by the Nearest Surviving Relative of the deceased. A surviving partner is considered the responsible person to claim, and if there is no surviving partner, immediate family – surviving parents, sons and daughters are considered. If the deceased has nobody else, a close relative will be considered. The claimant must be receipt of one of the following benefits:

Income Support
Income based job seekers allowance
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit (including second rate rebate)
Working Families Tax Credit
Disabled Persons Tax Credit
The claim must be made within 3 months of the funeral date.