Help With Funeral Costs

If you are worried about paying for a funeral, please tell us as early as possible. We can explain the costs, discuss simpler arrangements and provide the documents needed for an application for financial assistance.

We cannot decide whether you are eligible for government support, but we can direct you to official guidance.

Call 0161 427 2079 to speak to our team.

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Understanding the Financial Help That May Be Available

Funeral Expenses Payments and Government Support

Funeral Expenses Payment
A Funeral Expenses Payment may help people receiving certain benefits with some of the cost of arranging a funeral. Eligibility depends on the benefits received, your relationship to the person who died and other circumstances.

The payment may help with certain burial or cremation fees, necessary travel and transport costs, and a contribution towards other funeral expenses. It will not usually cover the full cost of the funeral.

Because eligibility rules and payment amounts can change, please check the current information on GOV.UK or contact the Bereavement Service.

When to apply
A claim can normally be made once you have the required invoice or signed funeral contract. Current rules include a time limit for applying, so do not delay seeking official advice.

You may find further help on the GOV.UK website HERE

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More Information

Money in the deceased’s estate

Funeral expenses are usually treated as a priority expense of the estate. A bank or building society may agree to release money directly to the funeral director before probate is granted, provided it receives the documents it requires.
The person arranging the funeral should contact the financial institution for its procedure. The funeral director cannot access the account directly.

Funeral plans and insurance

Check whether the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan, life insurance policy, workplace death-in-service benefit, pension benefit, trade-union benefit or other policy that may contribute towards the funeral.
Look for plan documents, bank statements, emails or membership records. If you believe there is a Golden Charter plan naming Brian Sharples & Son, contact us and we will help check the information available to us.

Talk to us before making decisions

A caring and dignified funeral can be arranged without selecting every optional service. We will explain the available choices and work with you to identify an appropriate arrangement.
Important: Brian Sharples & Son cannot guarantee that a benefit, estate payment, insurer or charity will meet any part of the funeral cost. The person entering into the funeral contract remains responsible for payment unless agreed otherwise in writing

Children’s funerals

Separate government support may apply when a child under 18 dies or a baby is stillborn after the qualifying stage of pregnancy. We will explain the funeral charges and direct the family to current official information.

Public-health funerals

Where no suitable person is willing or able to make arrangements and there is no sufficient estate, the local authority or relevant NHS body may have a legal duty to arrange a public-health funeral. Contact the responsible authority before entering into a private funeral contract if you believe this may apply.

Charitable and occupational support

Some charities, benevolent funds, professional associations, armed-forces charities and employers offer financial assistance in certain circumstances. Eligibility varies

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Contact Us Today

To find out more about our Funeral Care Services or to discuss our pre-paid funeral plans,
please contact our friendly team.

Call: 0161 427 2079
Main Branch Email: marple@briansharples.co.uk

Clear, Compassionate Guidance Every Step of the Way

Address

Brian Sharples & Son Ltd
52, Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB