Finding the money

Funerals can be very expensive, and it is important to know how the costs are going to be met, and whether you are entitled to any help. Firstly check the Will to see who the executor is and if any financial provision has been made for the funeral. Then check if there were any pre-paid funeral plans, insurance policies, pension schemes or bank/building society accounts. Banks and building society accts will be frozen, but may release up to £5000 to cover the cost of a funeral on production of a death certificate, although not obliged to.

Some employers pension schemes pay a lump sum to help with the funeral costs. If money is not available until probate is granted, you or the executor may need to pay and then recover the money from the estate later.