Losing a loved one is never easy, and the added stress of funeral costs can feel overwhelming. It's an experience which is a lot more common than you'd think.
As the UK's largest direct cremation provider, we understand all too well the financial burdens that can come with saying goodbye to someone dear. In this guide, we'll explore what to do if you find yourself unable to cover the costs of a funeral and offer actionable solutions to help navigate this difficult time.
In the UK, funeral costs can vary widely depending on various factors such as location, services chosen, and personal preferences. It's helpful to know the range of costs to expect, so, to make it easier for you, here's the average cost for each funeral option in 2024:
When considering the expenses associated with funerals in the UK, opting for a direct cremation is typically a much more affordable choice, especially when compared to the ever rising costs of traditional funerals. Its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and simplicity resonate with modern needs and perspectives, contributing to its increasing popularity in the UK.
To give you more insight into what's typically included in the price of a funeral, we've put together a comparison of burials and cremations, taking into account the different processes, features, and more.
[1] Funeral costs by type taken from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
If traditional funeral costs are out of reach, don't worry, there are ways to make the process more affordable - namely, direct cremation.
Direct cremation is a cost-effective alternative to traditional burial, eliminating the need for expensive services, such as embalming and a casket. Direct cremations prioritise simplicity and affordability, all while honouring your loved one's memory with dignity and respect.
While we can't speak on behalf of all providers, we'd like to offer you an insight into what you can expect from a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations, starting from just £1,299:
Direct cremations offer an affordable funeral option that can significantly reduce expenses. At Distinct Cremations, we commit to providing dignified and respectful cremations at a fraction of the cost, ensuring that you can honour your loved one without financial strain.
If you find yourself with no money to pay for a funeral, there are a handful of assistance programs available to help.
In the UK, the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford a funeral. Eligibility criteria apply, so, it's essential to check if you qualify for this support.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, the Funeral Expenses Payment can assist with important expenses related to:
Plus, you could receive up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as fees charged by the funeral director, floral arrangements, or the coffin itself.
In Scotland, this same scheme is called a Funeral Support Payment.
For families in England who have lost a child under the age of 18, the Children's Funeral Fund provides financial support to cover funeral costs. This fund aims to alleviate the financial burden on grieving families during an incredibly difficult time.
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help pay for the:
In cases where no family members or friends are able to cover the costs of a funeral, local authorities may arrange a public health funeral. These funerals are conducted with dignity and respect, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for a dignified farewell.
At Distinct Cremations, we believe that everyone deserves a meaningful farewell, regardless of financial circumstances. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, providing advice, affordable options and guidance during this challenging time.
Typically, the responsibility of paying for a funeral falls on the deceased's family members. Alternatively, funds to cover funeral expenses can usually be drawn from their estate. However, accessing a person's bank accounts may require some time, and selling property often involves a longer process.
During this interim period, the person arranging the funeral may find themselves needing to cover the costs upfront with their own finances, adding to the emotional and financial strain during this difficult time.
If funds are not available, or it’s looking like it might be difficult to balance the books whilst waiting on money from the estate, there are a number of alternative options to consider.
The worry of affording a funeral often revolves around ensuring you have the necessary funds when the time comes to cover the expenses of burial or cremation.
If the thought of arranging a funeral feels like it might strain your finances, rest assured, there are alternative payment options available that may better suit your situation. Here are the top 3 of 7 ways to pay for a funeral.
Prepaid funeral plans allow you to pay for your funeral in advance, relieving your loved ones of the financial burden when the time comes. These plans can be tailored to your preferences and budget, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
For example, at Distinct Cremations, we offer a selection of affordable funeral plans that can be paid for over monthly instalments of up to 10 years. Spreading out the cost this way breaks it down into small, regular sums that can be factored into your monthly budget.
In some cases, funds from the deceased's bank account can be used to cover funeral expenses. However, certain documents may be required to access these funds, such as a death certificate and proof of relationship.
When accessing funds from the deceased's bank account, you will typically need:
Remember, if you've been provided access to the deceased person's bank accounts before their passing, using this information to access the funds without contacting the bank can potentially raise legal concerns. So, it's advisable to contact the bank and arrange payment through the appropriate channels to avoid any complications.
Learn more about the process of organising a funeral and how to make paying for a funeral as affordable as possible. If you need to arrange a funeral straight away, give our compassionate team a call on 01543 211997.
In order for a funeral to go ahead, there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out. If you know you will be arranging a funeral in the near future it can be useful to know what to expect.
See more about funeral documents
Our helpful and experienced team can help you arrange a respectful funeral without frills at a low cost. Get in touch with us for more information about our funeral services.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
