Help with the cost of a funeral service
Under certain circumstances the Department of Work and Pensions offer financial assistance.
For more information use the link below
Financial Assistance
Help from the hospital where the person died
The hospital may arrange the funeral of someone who dies in hospital if the deceased’s relatives cannot be traced or cannot afford to pay for it. They may make a claim on the deceased’s estate to pay for or contribute towards the cost of the funeral.
Help from the council where the person resided
The local council has duty to bury or cremate the deceased if no other arrangements have been made. They may make a claim on the deceased’s estate to pay for or contribute towards the cost of the funeral.
If the hospital has reason to believe that the deceased’s relative(s) are able but unwilling to pay, the council in whose area the body lies should be asked to arrange the funeral.
In either case, if there is reason to believe that the deceased did not wish to be cremated, a burial service will be provided.
Hospital Authorities and Councils usually have a ‘Contract’ Funeral Director to undertake such services, providing a simple funeral.