Paying for a funeral

Funeral costs worry many people, however there are various ways you can keep costs down and sources of funding you can explore to get the help you need.

Ways to pay for a funeral:

  • from a financial scheme the person had, for example a pre-paid funeral plan or insurance policy.
  • by you, or other family members or friends.
  • with money from the person’s estate (savings, for example) – getting access to this is called applying for a ‘grant of representation’ (sometimes called ‘applying for probate’).

Help with funeral costs

There is support available if you need help with the cost of a funeral or need to access bereavement benefits.

If you are struggling to pay for a funeral and your only source of funding is the Funeral Expenses Payment, you are advised to tell the funeral director before committing to any arrangements.

Government support

Other support

Public health or public dignity funerals

The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 (‘the Act’) places a legal duty on local authorities to arrange for a burial or cremation where no suitable alternative arrangements are being made.

This is called a public health funeral and is designed to protect public health and ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. In Hackney, we also call these public dignity funerals.

Standard practice for public health or public dignity funerals

Hackney Public Dignity Funeral Policy

Hackney Public Dignity Funeral Policy (google doc) outlines the procedures and guidelines we take when handling bodies stored in our mortuary facilities.

Additional information

Page updated on: 25 July 2024

Bereavement and Property Protection Services

Address

Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY

Telephone

Opening times

  • Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm