Arranging the Funeral
Do not make any arrangements until you are sure the death does not have to be reported to the coroner, as this may affect the date when the funeral can he held. Also, find out if there is a will, there may be requests about funeral arrangements.
You will need to choose a funeral director, friends, family or a member of the clergy may be able to suggest a reputable firm, failing that most firms are listed in Yellow Pages. Most funeral directors are members of one of 3 trade associations, the National Association of Funeral Directors, the Funeral Standards Council and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. All have codes of practice which require the provision of a price list on request.
The funeral director will need the Certificate for Burial or Cremation or an Order for Burial giving permission for the body to be buried or cremated (issued by the registrar or coroner).
The funeral director will help you to decide where the body should stay until the funeral, and the starting point, time and place of the funeral.
If there is to be a service or ceremony, contact the appropriate person for the religion or belief concerned. You can choose the place for the funeral service and you may be able to choose the person to conduct the service.
Funerals can be expensive, remember to check where the money for the funeral will come from before making any arrangements. Check whether the deceased person has contributed to schemes to pay for the funeral.
If you are getting any of these social security benefits: Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit where a disabled worker is included in the assessment, Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, you may be able to get a payment from the Social Fund to help with the funeral expenses. Leaflet SB16 explains the Social Fund clearly and is available from your local register office.
If no one is able or willing to arrange and pay for the funeral, the local council or health authority may do so, but only where the funeral has not already been arranged.
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