Funeral Arrangements
When the death certificate has been issued by the Registrar,
you will also be given a certificate authorising the funeral. The
choice of a firm of funeral directors is important as you should
feel comfortable and confident with them. They may be known to you
personally, may be recommended by a friend, your GP or religious
adviser or may just have a good reputation in your area.
You can ask for this estimate in advance and it's a good idea
to ask different firms to quote so that you can compare
costs.
Your funeral director can make all the arrangements for the
funeral, burial or cremation, religious or secular service. The
funeral director can also advise on all the procedures and
documents needed to register the death.
If you are considering a headstone most cemeteries will advise
to wait for a period of approximately six months before placing it.
However, we suggest you contact your preferred choice of monumental
mason as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delay after this
waiting period.
Financial Assistance
If you are finding it difficult to pay for a funeral that you
have to arrange, you may be able to get a Social Fund Funeral
Payment.
If you or your partner receive one of the following
benefits:
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
- Housing benefit
- Council tax benefit
- Second Adult Rebate
- Jobseeker's allowance (income based)
- Working Tax Credit (with the disability or severe disability
element)
- Child Tax Credit (payable at a higher rate than the family
element
Contact Details
618 Warwick Road
Solihull
West Midlands B91 1AA
Tel 0121 711 1343
3 Bullfields
Sawbridgeworth
Hertfordshire CM21 9DB
Tel 01279 726777
Funeral Standards Council
30 North Road
Cardiff CF1 3DY
Tel 029 2038 2046
Funeral Ombudsman Scheme
26- 28 Bedford Row
London WC1R 4HE
Tel 020 7430 1112