Help Paying for a Funeral:
Supporting You in Difficult Times
At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand that arranging a funeral can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. We believe that everyone deserves a dignified farewell, and we are committed to offering compassionate guidance to help you navigate the costs involved. If you are struggling with funeral expenses, we are here to support you with practical advice and financial assistance options.
Financial Support Options
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There are various ways to receive financial assistance for a funeral, depending on your circumstances. We are here to help you explore the available options:
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Government Support
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DWP Funeral Expenses Payment – If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for financial support from the government to help cover funeral costs.
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Bereavement Support Payment – If your spouse or civil partner has passed away, you may be entitled to financial assistance.
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Local Council Support – In some cases, councils can assist with funeral costs if there are no other means of payment.
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Children’s Funeral Fund – Support is available for families who have lost a child under 18, covering essential funeral expenses.
Charitable & Community Assistance
For families facing financial hardship, various charities, benevolent funds, and organisations may be able to provide support towards funeral costs. These can be especially helpful for those who do not qualify for government assistance but still require financial aid.
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Many charities offer grants or financial contributions based on specific circumstances, such as the deceased’s profession, military service, or membership in a particular organisation.
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Support for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans – If the deceased served in the armed forces, organisations such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA (the Armed Forces Charity), and Help for Heroes may offer financial assistance or guidance. Some regimental associations also provide funeral grants for former service personnel.
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Emergency Services Support – Families of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, or NHS workers may be eligible for support from charities like The Fire Fighters Charity, The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), and The Police Benevolent Fund. These organisations recognise the contributions of those who served their communities and may help ease the burden of funeral costs.
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Trade Unions and Professional Associations – If the deceased was a member of a trade union or professional body, financial assistance may be available. Unions such as Unite the Union, UNISON, and The National Union of Teachers (NUT) sometimes offer funeral grants or hardship funds to their members' families.
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Other Charitable Organisations – Various charities assist individuals based on specific circumstances, including age, illness, or social need. For example, Turn2us provides information on charitable grants, while organisations like Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support may help families dealing with bereavement due to long-term illness.
If you are unsure whether assistance is available, we are happy to guide you in finding the right support. Our compassionate team at Rounce Funeral Services can help identify potential funding options and provide advice on how to apply for assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
Other Financial Assistance
Covering the cost of a funeral can be challenging, but there are several financial options available to help ease the burden. If you are struggling to find the necessary funds, the following avenues may provide support:
Budgeting Loans
For those receiving certain income-based benefits, the UK Government offers Budgeting Loans (or Budgeting Advances for Universal Credit claimants). These are interest-free loans that can help cover the cost of a funeral, including burial or cremation fees, travel expenses, and essential funeral arrangements.
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To qualify, you must have been receiving one of the following benefits for at least six months:
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Pension Credit
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Universal Credit (for Budgeting Advances)
These loans must be repaid, but since they are interest-free, they provide an affordable way to spread funeral costs over manageable instalments. Applications can be made through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and our team at Rounce Funeral Services can guide you through the process if needed.
Using the Deceased’s Bank Account
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Many banks and building societies allow funeral expenses to be paid directly from the deceased’s account, even before probate is granted. This means that funds in their account may be used to cover funeral costs without waiting for the legal estate administration process to be completed.
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To access these funds, the bank will typically require:
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A copy of the death certificate
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An invoice from the funeral director (not a receipt, as banks generally won’t release funds for expenses already paid)
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Proof of your identity and relationship to the deceased
Each bank has its own policies, so it’s best to contact the deceased’s bank as soon as possible to check what documentation is required. If you need any assistance with this process, Rounce Funeral Services is happy to help.​
Claiming from the Estate
If you personally cover the cost of a funeral, you may be able to reclaim the expenses from the deceased’s estate before any inheritance is distributed. Funeral costs are considered a priority payment, meaning they are settled before debts and beneficiaries receive any inheritance.
To claim funeral expenses from the estate, you may need to:
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Keep all receipts and invoices related to the funeral
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Submit a claim through the executor of the will or, if there is no will, the person handling probate
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Wait for probate to be granted if necessary (this can take a few months, so alternative funding may be needed in the meantime)
If the estate does not have enough funds to cover funeral expenses, you may need to explore other options, such as government assistance or charitable support.
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At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand that financial concerns can add stress during an already difficult time. If you have any questions about funding a funeral or accessing financial assistance, our compassionate team is here to offer guidance and support.
Compassionate Funeral Discounts
Honouring Those Who Serve & Supporting Those in Need
We proudly offer discounts to those who serve our communities and those facing financial hardship:
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Blue Light Card Holders – Exclusive discounts for emergency service personnel, NHS staff, and social care workers.
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Defence Discount Card Holders – Acknowledging the sacrifices of armed forces personnel and veterans with discounted services.
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Welfare Benefits Recipients – A discretionary discount for those receiving means-tested benefits to help ease the financial burden.
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How to Apply
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Get in Touch – Contact our team to discuss your requirements and let us know if you are eligible for a discount.
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Provide Proof of Eligibility – Show your valid Blue Light Card, Defence Discount Card, or relevant benefits documentation.
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Compassionate Support – We will ensure you receive the appropriate discount and guide you through the arrangements with care and respect.
We're Here to Help
Losing a loved one is never easy, and financial worries should not prevent a family from giving their loved one a dignified farewell.
At Rounce Funeral Services, we are here to offer support and guidance with compassion, integrity, and transparency.
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If you're struggling with funeral costs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will listen with care and do everything we can to support you in creating a meaningful farewell for your loved one.
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Contact us today – we are here to help you every step of the way.
Understanding Funeral Costs
Funeral expenses can vary depending on the type of service chosen. On average, a funeral with Rounce costs around £3,000 at a crematorium before optional elements like a slideshow to music, flowers and catering.
If you are concerned about costs, our team can help you navigate affordable options such as an Intimate Attended Direct Cremation and create a meaningful farewell within your budget.
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Who is Responsible for Paying?
In some cases, the person who has passed away may have already made financial arrangements for their funeral through:
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A prepaid funeral plan
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Savings or investments within their estate
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Life insurance policies
If no funds are available, a family member or close friend usually arranges payment. However, they may be able to recover these costs from the estate if sufficient funds exist.