Help with funeral costs - Im on ESA

[Susan85]

Im not sure if i'm posting in the right location so sorry in advance.

My husbands mum (81) was taken into hospital on the 27th and slipped into a coma due to raspatory failure. They told us yesterday she wouldn't wake up and she will pass away in the next few days.
I know this may seem like a cold thing to ask but it's a worry that we don't need right now but it is in our minds - Funeral cost. She sadly didn't have a funeral plan and has zero savings and no property, no family that could help with costs etc

I am on long term sick (I had a Stroke) and partner is also on long term sick (ESA) as well and is currently being assessed for PIP. Im not sure if it's important but i do own my own home (left to me by a relative)

We know her wishes are to be buried with her husband. I don't think she'd care about anything fancy (Expensive coffins, funeral cars etc)

Is there anyway he can get help with funeral costs? We have £500 in savings but from what I've read it's going to be around 5K (transporting the body 120 miles and Opening the burial plot being the most expensive part)
I've found a few websites that say you can get upto £1000 for help with funeral extras and 'help' towards a funeral without anything solid.

Is there anyway we can get help with funeral costs?

Thank you.

P.s I have tried asking on moneysavingexpert but I am waiting on a confirmation email and have been for over 12hrs.

https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

There is help but I don’t think it’d cover everything you want. I think it’d cover a simple cremation type funeral. It’s not uncommon to scatter the ashes of someone on a loved ones grave ( technically you should ask permission).

Your council should be able to help, as "Under Section 46 of the Public Health Act 1984, it is the council’s responsibility to arrange a cremation or burial for someone who has died within their boundary, if relatives cannot be traced or are unable or unwilling to pay funeral expenses." Get help with funeral costs (Funeral Expenses Payment): How it works - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Look at point 6 here Public health funerals: good practice guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help paying for a funeral | MoneyHelper

What Happens If You Can't Afford A Funeral? | British Seniors

I'm sorry for your loss.

I assume you've looked on gov.uk I can't tell if you would be eligible or not.

Are there any other relatives who could help?

If you are unable to get any help would you consider direct cremation. You could then sprinkle the ashes on your Dads plot.

Sorry for your impending loss OP.

If you're in receipt of certain benefits you can apply to DWP for help towards funeral costs. There are also companies such as Funeralsafe (.co.uk) who will offer loans towards costs that you can pay off gradually.

Are you on income-related Employment and Support Allowance? Not contribution based?

Are there any other family members who “should” share responsibility.

Have a look at this decision makers guide. I’m not sure if it’s the most up to date guide though.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6578788c254aaa0010050b6a/adml3.pdf

Sorry you are going through this.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/funeral-payment/how-do-i-claim-a-funeral-payment

If there is a closer relative who is in work, you won't be eligible, unfortunately.

Lougle is correct. This happened to a friend of mine. The brother was in work and told to pay even though he said no. So sorry for your situation.

So sorry to hear about your situational your loss. In these circumstances, I'm sure your MIL would understand you having a basic cremation with her ashes scattered on the grave. 5k sounds crazy money to spend given where you are both at.

It really depends who is taking responsibility for the funeral. if that is your dh then it would depend what type of ESA you are on, if contributions based then that is not means tested so you may not qualify.
When assessing for a funeral grant they will also look at whether other close relatives can pay and I have never known them pay the full amount. the highest amount I ever know someone receiving was £2400 and that was during covid and i think they were being a bit more generous ! most awards have been around £1800.

Also if your dh's ESA is contributions based, do you get any other income? if you think you might be eligible for some Universal credit between you then apply asap as it would qualify you if you are waiting to hear and are later awarded.

Your Mil might want a traditional funeral and a burial with her DH but if she has not got the means to pay she might not be able to have it. I say this gently but once she's passed away she won't know. Councils will help with simple cremation as it's far cheaper. They take away the body and then give the next of kin a phone call once the ashes can be collected. You could probably bury her ashes in a grave she already owns where her DH is buried though. You could do that yourself because the ashes would not need to be deep. It costs a fortune to ferry a body in a hearse across counties. A simple cremation costs about £1500. You shouldn't get into debt to pay for a funeral.

Is your DH her only child or are there any other siblings who work? That makes a huge difference.

OP, I am sorry about your situation.

I agree with @Username947531 .

This.

We had a basic cremation with the co op for my Mum, it was £1300.

Sorry t hear of your relative. I recently had to pay basically what you have in your savings to move a deceased relative to where the family wanted the funeral to be. We had a basic funeral ( at the crem, a vicar, no organis just used the sound system, second cheapest coffin, no funeral cars, printed own orders of services plus only 1 set of flowers - which was £175 alone), and I have paid nearly £6,000. This is without burial of the ashes or a plaque yet.

@Susan85
I'm so sorry.

Some good suggestions above.
If no luck, try

https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-

Thinking of you.

So sorry you are facing this

as other have suggested a direct funeral and then scatter the ashes on the grave would be the simplest answer.

My local council will do the funeral, even if there is another relative working - but the stipulation is it is a direct funeral and you do not get the ashes back afterwards, so no ashes and no mourners at the funeral.

You say she wants to be buried with her husband ?
If you can find out details of where he is buried and who is responsible for the grave-- usually local council, it could be that the plot might be already be paid for.
When my mum died- my dad paid for a double plot.so when he died last year my sister called the burial site and they confirmed this had been done years before when mum died. You may be able to find paper documents in your MIL possessions - or contact the council or church where her husband was buried.
Sometimes these things can get forgotten about over the years and you might end up factoring a cost that has actually already been paid for.