What help is available regarding making funeral arrangements
When someone dies it can be a very distressing time for those arranging a funeral. For more information and support, visit our bereavement support page.
Arrangements for a funeral are usually made by a:
- partner
- executor
- family member
They would also be responsible for the costs. You can check if you are entitled to help with funeral costs through a:
- funeral expenses payment
- bereavement support payment
If you are concerned about how you are going to pay for a funeral, it is important that you explore the options available to you to arrange the funeral yourself. This could include
- accessing financial assistance schemes and
- lower-cost options.
You need to be aware that once you have entered into a contract with the funeral director you will be responsible for paying their costs and we will be unable to make the arrangements for a public health funeral.
We will make the necessary arrangements and arrange the public health funeral if:
- you have applied for assistance from the Department of Work and Pensions and the claim is rejected, and
- there is no-one available to make the arrangements
If you have applied for assistance from the Department of Work and Pensions and this claim is rejected and there is no-one available to make the arrangements then Southend-on-Sea City Council will then make the necessary arrangements and arrange the public health funeral.
Funeral Poverty is recognised, and we are empathetic to those affected by this, however, a public health funeral paid for by the local authority should not be used by families who can afford to make other arrangements but choose not to - it is not a free alternative to a family's responsibility to care for their own family member.