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Independent Funeral Directors
Serving Dorset for over 110 years


Assistance with Funeral Expenses

Understanding the financial burden a funeral can impose, we are here to help. If you’re facing difficulties in funding the funeral and require support, our team is ready to discuss various options with you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with funeral expenses in Dorset. We’re committed to guiding you through this process and exploring all available options.

Priority of Funeral Costs and Bank Payments

It’s important to note that funeral expenses are prioritised above other debts in the deceased’s estate. This means if there are sufficient funds in the deceased’s bank account, banks will typically release these funds directly to the funeral director to cover the costs. We encourage families to explore this option with the bank first, as it can relieve the immediate financial pressure of paying the funeral expenses out of personal funds.

Settling the funeral account

Our final invoice is issued 7 days after the funeral service. As the person responsible for arranging the funeral, it’s your duty to ensure the invoice is settled within the agreed terms. Keep in mind that using the deceased’s bank funds directly can be a more straightforward option, and we recommend discussing this with the bank as soon as possible.

Advance Payment of Charges

We require a deposit of 25% of the total estimate, or 100% of the burial fees no later than twenty-four hours prior to the funeral. Payment may be made either by credit/debit card, cash, or cheque. Please allow 3 clear working days for cheque clearance before the day of the funeral.

If a written cancelation notice is received prior to the service, FC Douch will reimburse the Client, within thirty days of the ceremony date for any advance payment, deposits, excluding any disbursements and fees incurred.

We will not provide those goods and services and new arrangements to provide those services will be made when full payment (together with any penalties or cancellation fees) are received.

We require full payment of Funeral Directors Fees and Disbursements when specifying a ‘Direct’ or ‘Unattended’ Payment must be made prior to the day of the funeral, either by credit/debit card, cash, or cheque. Please allow 3 clear working days for cheque clearance before the day of the funeral.

If you fail to make payment by the required date the contract for the provision of those services will be deemed to be breached.

Eligibility for Funeral Payment Assistance

You may be eligible for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund, which assists with funeral expenses. This benefit is means-tested and requires the person arranging the funeral to receive government benefits. It covers essential burial or cremation costs and up to £1,000 towards the funeral director’s fees for deaths after 8th April 2020.

Bereavement Support Payment and Other Options

If your spouse or civil partner passed away on or after 6 April 2017, you could be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, depending on specific criteria. To qualify, your partner should have either paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks or died due to a work-related accident or disease.

If your spouse or civil partner passed away on or after 6 April 2017, you could be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, depending on specific criteria. To qualify, your partner should have either paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks or died due to a work-related accident or disease. 

At the time of their death, you must have been under the State Pension age and living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits. 

 


Further Information and Support 

For comprehensive details about these benefits and to apply for assistance from the Social Fund, please visit www.direct.gov.uk or your nearest Jobcentre Plus. They can also provide guidance about funeral expense payments. 

If the deceased was part of a company pension scheme, you might be eligible for support with funeral expenses through the scheme. Contact the pension provider for more information. 


 

Considering Funeral Finance?

If you’re contemplating a loan for funeral expenses, Funeral Safe provides tailored solutions to help manage the costs associated with funerals. Here are some key points:

Range of Loans: Funeral Safe offers unsecured loans ranging from £500 to £10,000, enabling a broad range of financial needs to be met​.

Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans can be repaid over a period ranging from 12 months to 5 years, offering flexibility to suit different financial situations​.

Interest Rates: The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) varies from 10.75% to 27.9%, depending on the individual’s circumstances and credit assessment​.

No Early Settlement Fees: Borrowers have the option to repay their loan early without incurring additional fees, providing more control over their financial commitments​.

Regulated Lending: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorises and regulates Funeral Safe, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy service​.

Company Background: Created by experts from the funeral industry and financial sector, Funeral Safe is governed by a board of representatives from both fields, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those arranging funerals​.

Application Process: The process to apply for funeral finance is straightforward. It involves receiving a finance offer through a funeral arranger or directly from Funeral Safe’s website, accepting the offer via electronic signature, and then having the funeral account settled directly with the funeral director. The repayment journey commences on the agreed date​.

These features demonstrate Funeral Safe’s commitment to providing accessible and tailored financial solutions for those facing funeral costs.

For more information on available resources to assist with funeral expenses in Dorset, please feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help guide you through this challenging time.