J Edwards - Your Guide to a Funeral

What to do when someone dies

What to do when someone dies Your guide to a funeral

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Contents

A note on language Important information

3 3 4 5 7

Introduction

An overview of what needs to be done

Immediately after the death

Procedure to follow when a Medical Cause of Death Certificate has been issued

If the Coroner is involved

Procedure to follow when death has been referred to the Coroner After the post-mortem examination

12 13 13 19 20 24 28 43 44 46 53 54 56 58

Inquests

Registering the death

Information needed to register a death

Arranging a funeral Paying for the funeral

Benefits

Finding out about probate

Life Ledger

Who needs to be informed about the death?

Items you should return

Notes

Useful contacts

Our burial grounds and crematoria

Introduction

What to do when someone dies

A note on language Although we recognise the person who died was a special and unique individual, we will use the term ‘the deceased’ throughout this guide. Important information If you know that the person who has died wished to donate their organs or tissue for transplant after their death , please make the team aware as soon as possible. It is not always possible to carry out these wishes depending on the circumstances of the death but informing professionals quickly increases the chances of this happening. Please also inform the team as soon as possible if there is signed consent to donate the deceased to medical science.

Introduction

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Introduction We expect that the death of a close family member or friend will be emotionally distressing. This is normal and natural. It is only human nature to put unpleasant thoughts out of our minds - to talk or think of the inevitable end-of-life is perhaps the greatest of these. Unfortunately the result is that, when death does occur, a partner, relative or friend can be totally unprepared for the event and unaware of the many practical decisions that need to be made. This publication is intended as an informative booklet to assist those who at some time will be concerned with arranging a funeral. It is not exhaustive but indicates the procedure and documentation likely to be involved, along with other useful information and suggestions.

Introduction

What to do when someone dies

An overview of what needs to be done

To help you understand where you are in the process, the diagram within this chapter gives you an at-a-glance overview. We have arranged the sections in this guide in the chronological order in which arrangements are usually made and given extra notes pages at the end for your own use. Immediately after the death • Death is usually confirmed by a professional • The person who has died is moved to a mortuary or funeral director’s premises

Attending practitioner issues Medical Certificate or Coroner investigates the death

This depends on the circumstances of the death

Registration of death Documents are issued that allows the funeral to proceed and the estate to be administered

Funeral

Determine who should take the legal responsibility for administering the estate

Informing organisations of the death

• Financial and legal • Central and local government • Health sectors

Claim any benefit This usually needs to happen within 3 months of the death

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Immediate concerns

What to do when someone dies

Immediately after the death When a death occurs many people are unsure what to do next and who to contact and when. If the patient was in hospital at the time of death You will often be given an opportunity to spend some time with the deceased on the ward before they’re taken to the mortuary. The ward staff will tell you the procedure of how to collect any personal belongings and obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), as you need this to be able to register the death, unless a Coroner is involved. Most hospitals also have a viewing room and this is often called the chapel of rest. You will usually need an appointment to see someone in the viewing room, which is often The death is often both natural and expected. If this is the case, a doctor who attended the patient during their life, will be able to issue a MCCD. Staff at the nursing home will talk you through the procedure. You may call a funeral director when you are ready to do so. It is possible to keep the deceased at home but we would recommend discussing this with us before deciding to do this. If someone has died in a public place or at home If the death was not expected, the person may be taken to hospital by ambulance if resuscitation is attempted. The police will also attend and if death is confirmed at the scene they will notify the Coroner. A funeral director will move the deceased for the Coroner. This is usually to the nearest large hospital but some cities have public mortuaries. If you have not been given a contact number, a Coroner’s officer will phone you, usually on the next working day. Ask them if you wish to see your relative. It is not necessary for you to register the death before you make the funeral arrangements. arranged by the hospital’s bereavement service. If someone has died in a nursing home

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Procedure to follow when a Medical Cause of Death Certificate (MCCD) has been issued:

Death occurs

Death at home

Death in hospital

Contact the doctor

Eligible attending practitioner available?

Hospital contacts next of kin

YES

Will attending practitioner issue MCCD?

Refer to medical examiner

YES

Go to the box marked “Coroner informed” on page 11

Contact funeral director to arrange removal of deceased

MCCD confirmed by medical examiner

YES

MCCD sent to registrar. 5 day window to register death begins

Registrar will:

• register death • issue Green

Form (registration certificate for B or C) electronically • issue Certified Copies of Death Certificate

Make contact with funeral director to arrange funeral.

Please note: Funeral arrangements can be made before registration takes place, however, your chosen Funeral Director will be unable to confirm a date and time for the service.

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What to do when someone dies

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

If the Coroner is involved

The majority of deaths notified to the Coroner are completely natural but the cause of death is not certain. It is a legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that the cause of death is known and recorded. Scottish Law is similar. Examples of deaths which are referred to a Coroner are either; those where the cause of death is not known (as a result of an accident and/or resulting from medical treatment) or which are suspicious. The police or a doctor informs the Coroner. The Coroner is a senior and independent judicial officer and has Coroner’s officers working for them, who carry out investigations for the Coroner. Usually someone from the Coroner’s office will speak to the nearest relative or their representative, as well as any doctors who have been looking after the deceased, before deciding if a post- mortem examination is necessary. This is an external and internal examination of the deceased. It is normally possible to view and dress the deceased as usual after the examination. Please tell the Coroner’s office if you object to post-mortem examination for any reason, but it may be a legal requirement about which you have no choice. You do have the right to be represented at the examination, but most people find this unnecessary. The purpose of the examination is to determine the cause of death and it is not done for research or any other purpose. It may be necessary to keep very small samples of tissue and fluid from the deceased for further testing. You will be told if this is necessary and given a choice about what happens to the samples in the future.

Immediate concerns

What to do when someone dies

Procedure to follow when death has been referred to the Coroner:

Death occurs

Death in hospital

Death at home

The hospital informs

Contact Doctor

Next of kin

Police

Coroner informed

Police arrange removal

Coroner orders post mortem

Contact funeral director to arrange funeral

Coroner does not order post mortem

Is death due to natural causes?

Deceased’s attending practitioner issues MCCD

YES

Inquest held Request interim death certificate from Coroner

Coroner or funeral director contacts you with date to register

Go to the box marked “Eligible attending practitioner available” on page 8

When Inquest is closed collect Certified Copies of the Death Certificate from Registrar

Registrar will: • register death • issue Green Form • issue Certified Copies of Death Certificate

Please note: Funeral arrangements can, if so wished, be made before registration takes place

Take Green Form to funeral director

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

After the post-mortem examination

If the cause of death is found to be natural and there are no other circumstances requiring an Inquest, the Coroner will provide the appropriate paperwork instead of an MCCD allowing the death to be registered. This is often sent direct to the Registrar but you may be asked to collect it in person. In all other circumstances, the Coroner will usually open an Inquest. It is usual for the deceased to be released promptly for burial or cremation, even if the Inquest cannot be held for some time, but there might be some delay in releasing the deceased if the death was ‘suspicious’. The funeral director will contact the Coroner’s office to find out when they can collect the deceased to prepare for the funeral.

Immediate concerns

What to do when someone dies

Inquests An Inquest is a formal court hearing which examines the circumstances of any death which is unnatural, unexplained or happened in circumstances in which the law requires there to be an Inquest, such as a death in custody or as a result of an industrial accident. Inquests differ from other courts because there is no prosecution or defence. The purpose is to investigate who has died, when, where and how they died. Most Inquests are heard in front of a Coroner who directs the hearing, but some Inquests have to be heard in front of a Coroner with a jury. One of the most important aspects to understand is that an Inquest cannot decide that any individual or company is to blame for the death. There is considerable variation in how long after a death the Inquest is held. This depends a great deal on the complexity of the circumstances to be investigated. Occasionally families choose to have legal representation at an Inquest but legal aid is very rarely available for this and lawyers are usually not necessary. Unless there is a possibility of further legal action afterwards (e.g. suing someone for negligence). After an Inquest the death is registered automatically and you can purchase death certificates from the Registrar.

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Registering the death

When should you register? By law all deaths in England and Wales must normally be registered within five days of the MCCD being sent to the registrar’s office. If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the Coroner or ourselves will inform you when you can. Who can register a death? The duty to provide the information to the Registrar lies with the following people:

A certified death (when a MCCD has been obtained) • A relative of the deceased, present at the death

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What to do when someone dies

• A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness • A relative of the deceased, residing or being in the sub-district where the death occurred • A person present at the death • An administrator from the hospital or nursing home • A person in charge of making funeral arrangements A death that has been referred to the Coroner • Any relative of the deceased having knowledge of any of the particulars required to be registered • Any person present at the death

• Any person who found the deceased • Any person in charge of the deceased

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

• The person causing the disposal of the deceased Where should you register?

In England and Wales, you have to register the death at the Register Office within the district in which the death occurred, or in the district within which the deceased resided. However, you may be able to register the death in a different sub-district to that in which the death occurred and your funeral director will be able to advise you. What documents and information does the Registrar require? The register office will tell you what you need to do when you contact them. The register office may also want to see the person’s: • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (if the death has not been referred to the Coroner) • Birth certificate • Council Tax bill • Driving licence • Marriage or civil partnership certificate • NHS medical card • Passport • Proof of address (eg utility bill) • Any book or document relating to any pension or allowance which the deceased received from public funds Ask the register office what to do if you do not have them. You’ll need to tell the Registrar:

• The person’s full name at the time of death • Any names previously used, eg maiden name • The person’s date of birth • Their place of birth

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What to do when someone dies

• Their last address • Their occupation • The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner • Whether they were receiving a State Pension or any other benefits What documents are issued by the Registrar • A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the ‘green form’) - gives permission for burial or an application for cremation. This should be given to the funeral director as soon as possible as they may need this to release the deceased from hospital. • A Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) - you may need to fill this in and return it if the person was getting a State Pension or benefits (the form will come with a pre-paid envelope so you know where to send it). Many local authorities offer a service called Tell Us Once, making it easier to inform local and central government departments of the death. If you use Tell Us Once you may not need to complete the BD8. • Certified copies of the death certificate: The death registration is a permanent record and is retained by the Registrar. You can purchase as many copies of this document as you need and this is what is meant when banks and others ask to see an ‘original’ death certificate. The price varies as it is set by the local council but usually rises significantly if you need more later. • Obtain one for each bank account, building society and share holdings of the deceased - although some banks and building societies may accept digital copies so please check before purchasing any additional copies - as they may be unnecessary. If there is to be an Inquest, the death is not registered until after the Inquest – the Coroner will issue you with an Interim Certificate which you can use instead of certified copies. Most organisations will only accept a certified copy as evidence of a death.

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

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What to do when someone dies

Information needed to register a death

Surname: Forename: Maiden name: Any other previous names (if a woman has been married more than once) :

Any other names (usually known as, even if not their formal name) :

Date of birth: Place of birth (town and county in England and Wales or country if born overseas as the country is known now, not as it may have been at the time of birth, eg Bangladesh and not East Pakistan or India) : Place of death: Date of death: Usual address: Marital status: Occupation (or former occupation if retired) : Name/address/occupation of spouse or civil partner (if surviving) or name and occupation (if deceased) : National Insurance Number: National Insurance Number of any surviving husband, wife or civil partner:

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Arranging a funeral Most families choose to use a funeral director and often want to see them as soon as possible. You may want to check whether the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan which will set out some or all of their wishes, whether they had told family or friends what they wanted or had given instructions in their Will. Your local authority will also be able to give you advice. Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) comply with The Funeral Directors Code, Funeral home members are regularly inspected by the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation (IFSO) and are offered guidance and support in reaching the highest of standards. The NAFD also provide clients access to an independent complaints resolution scheme, NAFD Resolve, with conciliation and adjudication services provided by qualified professionals from the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

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What to do when someone dies

Things to consider for the funeral arrangement Contact and appointment details for funeral director: • Do you want to spend time with your loved one at the funeral director’s reflection room (also known as a chapel of rest), or perhaps bring them home before the funeral? Is the coffin to be open or closed? This may affect decisions about preservative treatment (embalming) of the deceased. • What style of funeral is required – traditional religious, a civil funeral (which may include some religious elements) or a funeral with no religious content? Do you want a private burial or cremation followed by a thanksgiving/memorial event? The major decision is whether to have a burial or cremation if this is not predetermined by your religion or culture. This will help you decide where the funeral is to take place. • Your answer to the question about the style of funeral will influence other content such as ideas about music and readings. • Do you want a funeral cortège (i.e. the hearse and any following cars) to leave from a family home or will people assemble at the place of the ceremony?

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL • What type of coffin would you prefer? There is a huge range available from traditional solid wood, various materials such as banana leaf and wicker through to cardboard decorated with artwork using a picture or photo of your own choice. • Most funerals include a gathering of mourners after the ceremony with refreshments served. The venue might be your own home, a church hall, a pub or a more formal venue such as a hotel. Think about your budget and how many people may attend to help with your decision. Legally most of the expenses connected with the funeral can be claimed from the money left by the deceased but a gathering of mourners is not considered an essential funeral cost. • Many funerals now give people the opportunity to give donations to charity instead of floral tributes. If the person who has died did not nominate a charity themselves you may want to think about a charity related to their interests, or that supports research into the condition from which they died. Hospitals and hospices also have funds to which donations can be made. • Many mourners appreciate guidance about what to wear. Traditionally this was always black but except for very formal funerals, grey, navy and other sombre colours are generally acceptable. If there will be mourners from faith/cultural traditions different from your own, they will especially appreciate guidance about cultural/religion specific customs. Some families request that mourners wear a specific colour. • You can take time to decide on the design of a headstone for a grave or you may want to consider an alternative memorial such as a bench or tree. • If you are arranging a cremation there are many choices available for what you do with the ashes (cremated remains). There is also a wide variety of style of containers (urns) that can be used to store the ashes while you make a decision. The ashes can be stored at the crematorium or funeral director’s premises (for a short period of time) as well as at home. • The number of decisions to be made just for the funeral can seem daunting. Unless you have to arrange the funeral quickly for whatever reason, you can take your time, talk with family members and close friends and ask as many questions of your funeral director, we’re here to guide and support you.

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What to do when someone dies

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Paying for the funeral The cost of a funeral is very much dictated by the style and content. How much will the funeral cost? Typically, an attended funeral can range from £3,500 to £6,000 but in exceptional circumstances it is possible for the account to be substantially higher than this. In any situation, you will be provided with a detailed estimate of all charges that are being made to the final account. This will be given to you once the arrangements have been completed. If there are any further items of cost in addition to the original estimate, you will be notified prior to the funeral. How can I pay? You can pay for your funeral in a number of ways including, BACs, Cheque, Credit/Debit card, insurance or via a pre-paid funeral plan.. Credit may be possible for some elements of the funeral subject to a successful credit check however typically most funeral directors will require a payment to cover at least 3rd party charges ahead of the funeral taking place.

Finance

What to do when someone dies

What if you are unable to pay? If you think you will be unable to meet the costs of a funeral, you should discuss this with your funeral director. You may be eligible for help from the Social Fund (see below). Department of Works and Pensions Payments in respect of funeral expenses It may be possible that you are eligible for a grant towards the cost of a funeral. This amount will not meet the total cost of the final funeral account. The person who arranges the funeral will be advised by the DWP as to what the grant will be. To be eligible to claim this grant the person making the arrangements must be qualified to do so by meeting current Social Security requirements. It must be kept in mind that it is not the financial circumstances of the deceased which the Social Security will consider, it will be the financial circumstances and relationship of the person making the claim. Application forms are available at the Register and DWP offices. Anyone responsible for arranging a funeral who thinks they may be entitled to help from the Social Fund, should inform their funeral director. This allows them to

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indicate areas which are unlikely to be covered even by a successful DWP claim. It should be remembered that payment can only be authorised by the Adjudicating Officer at DWP who will decide the amount of payment. Insurance Many people have life insurance and when a person dies the insurance company should be advised as soon as possible. You will be asked to produce the policy, together with a Certified Copy of the MCCD (obtainable from the Register office). Some insurance companies have their own particular extract and you should advise the Registrar of the insurance company’s name in order that the correct certificate is prepared. One copy per company is required, immaterial of the number of policies. Photocopies of the document may be accepted by insurance companies. Once the insurance company is satisfied that the claim is valid, payment will be made. The time this takes will vary depending upon the complexities of the claim. War pensioners If the person who has died was a war pensioner a grant can be claimed for the cost of a simple funeral if: • The war pensioner died from the disablement for which he/she was receiving a pension; or • If receiving 80% war pension; • The war pensioner was entitled to constant attendance allowance. Claims should be made to: War Pensions Agencies, DWP, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3YX. Further information on any of the above matters can be obtained from the local Department of Social Security office.

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Pre-paid funeral plans

It of hi tamv ee ay onus re fvae vr yo ut hr ii nt eg saonndg ap lrae yl eeads, ewohf idt eo vl ielsi ,e s hIat’svye otuhremfu.neral.

Our bespoke, pre-paid funeral plan records the way you want to be remembered and protects your loved ones from any unnecessary burden and costs.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

FP0016

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Benefits People can be on benefits for a variety of reasons and a change of circumstances, especially the death of a partner, can affect your own entitlement. After a death, income may fall if a work pension is lost, or it may fall at first and then rise due to an inheritance; which may take you over the threshold for some benefits or mean you have to pay tax. All information gathered from www.gov.uk and correct at the time of printing – December 2023 All rights reserved. This leaflet is advisory and acts as a sign-post to help you understand what financial support may be available to you. All financial support from HM Government is subject to individual circumstances and eligibility. Speak to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Bereavement Service for more details. Phone the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Bereavement Service to check if: • you can get bereavement benefits • the death will affect any other benefits you’re already claiming

DWP Bereavement Service Telephone: 0800 731 0469 Textphone: 0800 731 0464 www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies

If you are not using a professional to deal with probate for you we recommend you call the Bereavement Service as soon as possible to avoid any over-payment of benefits which would then have to be repaid from the estate to the government. See the Government website for the most up to date information regarding bereavement benefits.

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Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) You may be able to receive Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) if your husband, wife or civil partner died in the last 21 months. Eligibility Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested. This means what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get. It’s usually paid as a one-off payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. This may change depending on when you make your claim. You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount. However, you may still be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment if your partner’s cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after the death. When your partner died, you must have been: • under State Pension age • living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits • your partner must have either: • paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975 • died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work You cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment if you’re in prison.

Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

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Funeral Expenses Payment You may be able to receive a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging. Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate. The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner. What you’ll get Funeral Expenses Payment can help pay for some of the costs of the following: • burial fees for a particular plot • cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate • travel to arrange or go to the funeral • the cost of moving the deceased within the UK, if it’s being moved more than 50 miles • death certificates or other documents • you can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral. How much you get depends on your circumstances. This includes any other money that’s available to cover the costs, for example from

an insurance policy or the deceased person’s estate. Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

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War Widow(er) Pension You may be entitled to War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension if your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of their service in His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces or during a time of war. They must have served before 6 April 2005, but you may be eligible if they died of an illness or injury later. Eligibility One of the following must apply. Your husband, wife or civil partner: • died as a result of their service in HM Armed Forces before 6 April 2005 • was a civil defence volunteer or a civilian and their death was a result of the 1939 to 1945 war • was a merchant seaman, a member of the Naval Auxiliary Services, or a coastguard and their death was a result of an injury or disease they got during a war or because they were a prisoner of war • died as a result of their service as a member of the Polish Forces under British command during the 1939 to 1945 war, or in the Polish Resettlement Forces • was getting a War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance at the time of their death, or would have been had they not been in hospital • was getting a War Disablement Pension at the 80% rate or higher and was getting Unemployability Supplement You may be entitled to a pension if you lived with a partner as husband and wife or as civil partners. Illness, injury and death on or after 6 April 2005 If your partner was injured, developed an illness or died as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005, you can claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

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What you’ll get War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension is paid at different rates depending on your age and circumstances. You do not pay tax on it. Funeral expenses Veterans UK may be able to pay a grant of up to £2,200 towards a veteran’s funeral if any of the following apply: • death was due to service before 6 April 2005 • War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance was being paid or would have been paid if the war pensioner had not been in hospital when they died • Unemployability Supplement was being paid at the time of death and the War Disablement Pension was assessed at 80% or more • The payment can be made to the veteran’s widow or widower, next of kin or person paying for the funeral. You must make a claim within 3 months of the funeral. Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/war-widow-pension

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Support for child funeral costs Children’s Funeral Fund for England The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for some of the costs of a funeral for a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy. It is not means-tested, what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get. The burial or cremation must take place in England.

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What the fund covers The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help pay for the: • burial fees • cremation fees, including the cost of a doctor’s certificate • coffin, shroud or casket (up to a cost of £300) If you have other funeral expenses, you might be able to apply for Funeral Expenses Payment to cover them. You or your partner must be getting certain benefits - check if you’re eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment. How claiming works The fees for the burial or cremation can be claimed directly by the burial or cremation provider - you should not be charged. How to claim for some other expenses (for example, the coffin) depends on if you are using a funeral director or not. Claims must be made within 6 months of the funeral.

If you are using a funeral director You do not need to submit any claims yourself.

The burial or cremation provider can claim for the fees of a burial or cremation. The money will be paid directly to them. Your funeral director can claim for some other funeral expenses (for example, the coffin). The money will be paid directly to them. If you are not using a funeral director The burial or cremation provider can claim for the fees of a burial or

cremation. The money will be paid directly to them. Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/child-funeral-costs

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Child Benefit if a child dies If a child dies

You’ll usually get Child Benefit for 8 weeks after the child dies. If they would have had their 20th birthday before the 8 weeks are up, Child Benefit will stop on the following Monday. If you’ve already claimed You’ll need to tell the Child Benefit Office as soon as possible if a child you’re receiving Child Benefit for dies. The Child Benefit Office will let other parts of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) know, so you only have to get in touch with HMRC once. If you haven’t claimed yet If the child died before you sent a claim form, you can still send one (unless the child was stillborn). If your child died before the end of the week they were born in, the 8 weeks will start from the Monday following the death. Child Benefit can only be backdated for up to 3 months. The longer you leave your claim, the less you’ll get. If you opted out of receiving Child Benefit You still need to tell the Child Benefit Office as soon as possible if a child eligible for Child Benefit dies. Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/child-benefit-child-parent-dies

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Guardian’s Allowance You could get Guardian’s Allowance if you’re bringing up a child whose parents have died. You may also be eligible if there’s one surviving parent. The Guardian’s Allowance rate is £20.40 a week. You get it on top of Child Benefit and it’s tax-free. You must tell the Guardian’s Allowance Unit about certain changes to your circumstances. Effect on other benefits Guardian’s Allowance does not count as income if you’re claiming Tax Credits, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Guardian’s Allowance is not affected by the High Income Child Benefit charge. If you decide not to be paid Child Benefit your Guardian’s Allowance can continue. Guardian’s Allowance does not count towards the benefit cap. Eligibility To get Guardian’s Allowance all of the following must apply: • you’re bringing up someone else’s child • the child’s parents are dead (see conditions for one surviving parent) • you qualify for Child Benefit • one of the parents was born in the UK (or was living in the UK since the age of 16 for at least 52 weeks in any 2-year period) If you adopt a child you may still get Guardian’s Allowance as long as

you were getting it before you adopted the child. Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/guardians-allowance

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Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave You and your partner may be able to take time off work if your child dies before they turn 18, or if you have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The death or stillbirth must have happened on or after 6 April 2020. You might be able to get leave, pay or both. You may be eligible for: • Parental Bereavement Leave • Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay There are rules about when you can take your leave and pay and how to claim. You can only claim Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave if you’re employed in England, Scotland or Wales.

Finance

What to do when someone dies

Parental Bereavement Leave You can take 2 weeks’ leave from the first day of your employment for each child who has died or was stillborn if you’re eligible. A week is the same number of days that you normally work in a week. You can take: • 2 weeks together • 2 separate weeks of leave • only one week of leave Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay You’ll be able to get either £172.48 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) if you’re eligible. Any money you get is paid the same way as your wages, for example weekly or monthly, along with deductions for tax and National Insurance.

Find out more, including how to claim by visiting: www.gov.uk/parental-bereavement-pay-leave

Finance

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Finance

What to do when someone dies

Finding out about probate

The majority of people choose to use professional help to deal with the legal formalities required to administer an estate. There is far more involved than just filling in one or two forms and obtaining the grant of probate. You have a choice of types of professional service. As with all professional services for which you will be charged (but in this case, the fees are deducted from the estate) do ask as many questions as you need to about price structures and how the service will be provided. A grant of probate is a court order that allows the executor of a will or their professional representative to deal with the property and financial affairs of the deceased. However, when most people use the word ‘probate’ they mean the whole process of discovering what someone has left, going through the legal process of gaining authority to deal with it (whether there is a will or not), paying off any debts and finally distributing the remainder to the people entitled to receive it. This is the administration of the estate, which can take several months and up to a year or more depending on the complexity and whether a property is involved. Whether you need probate depends on the value of the estate. An asset holder (e.g. a bank) can insist that a grant be obtained for any amount over £5,000 although many have a higher threshold. They are not being difficult – this is the procedure laid down in law to ensure the wishes of the deceased are carried out, creditors are paid and that the people named as beneficiaries do receive their entitlement. There are choices available to you if you are asked by a bank or other asset holder for probate. Remember it is the executor who must formally make the decision how to do this or the nearest relative if there is no will.

Finance

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Life Ledger

Life Ledger is the free , easy-to-use service that makes notifying companies of a death simpler, faster and less stressful.

As seen in

In 3 easy steps:

Choose Select the

Send We will select and deliver only what each company requires

companies you want to inform & add account details

Completely free to use to notify

• Electrics • Banks

• Utilities • Gas • Water • Building societies

• TV services • Insurance companies • and much more...

• Credit cards • Broadband

P Register once and tell 1000+ organisations of a death from one central point P Avoid repeating the same difficult information to every company individually Register now at www.lifeledger.com

Admin

What to do when someone dies

Admin

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Who needs to be informed about the death?

Apart from friends and family of the deceased, there are also organisations that you may need to contact. If you are using a professional for probate they will contact many of these organisations for you – see the symbol next to the relevant rows. Take copies of important documents and if you post any documents, make a note of when you sent them. Other organisations may be notified through the Local Authority if they offer this service – see the symbol throughout this table. P Professional used for probate can notify these organisations on your behalf L Local Authority can notify on your behalf Life Ledger

Admin

What to do when someone dies

Who needs to be informed about the death? - continued

Spoke to or posted info

Organisation

Phone no.

Date/time

Adult social services (including day care/ homecare)

P L

Bank/building society

P L

Bank/building society

P L

Bank/building society

Blue badge/ Concessionary travel pass

Building insurance

Cable/satellite service

Car insurance

Child Support Agency

Club membership Council Children Services Council Housing Office

Council tax

Council tax benefit

Council tax credit/Working tax credit/child benefit

P L

Credit/store card

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YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Organisation Spoke to or posted info Who needs to be informed about the death? - continued Phone no. Date/time

Credit/store card

Dentist Doctor DVLA

P L

DWP: State pension, pension credit, attendance allowance, OLA, carer’s allowance, incapacity benefit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment, support allowance and Universal Credit

P L

Electoral registration office

P L

Electricity provider

Employer or private pension provider Friendly Societies

Gas provider

Home content insurance

Hospitals Housing benefit

P L

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What to do when someone dies

Organisation Spoke to or posted info Who needs to be informed about the death? - continued Phone no. Date/time

Identity and passport service Internet service provider

Landlord/Housing Association

Library

Magazine subscriptions Mail order catalogue Mail suppression service

Mobile phone

Mortgage provider or Equity release company Other money, eg National Savings/Premium bonds/ Loans/Hire purchase agreement

Podiatrist Prison/Probation/Court service Private care Private care Return of medical equipment Royal Mail redirection

Admin

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Organisation Spoke to or posted info Who needs to be informed about the death? - continued Phone no. Date/time

Student Loan company Tax office

Telephone line provider

Trade union/ professional association Trade union/ professional association Travel agent/airline Travel and holiday insurance UK Border Agency Water and drainage provider P

Admin

What to do when someone dies

Organisation Spoke to or posted info Who needs to be informed about the death? - continued Phone no. Date/time

Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

Admin

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Admin

What to do when someone dies

Items you should return You should return the following, with a note of explanation and the date of death with each of the documents: • Order books, payable orders or giro cheques to the Social Security office or other DWP office which issued the payment. This applies also to a child benefit book which includes payment for a child who has died; orders should not be cashed after the payee’s death; it may be useful to keep a record of pension book numbers or other Social Security numbers before you send anything back • The deceased’s passport to the Passport Office; you can get the address from the Post Office • The deceased’s driving licence to the DVLA, Swansea SA6 7GL • The registration documents of a car for the change of ownership to be recorded • Season travel cards and membership tickets to the office of issue (for refunds) • Membership cards of clubs and associations; claim any refund due • Library books and tickets • Any National Insurance papers to the relevant office • Any NHS equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prosthesis • Credit, cashpoint and cheque guarantee cards and chequebooks to the appropriate credit card company or bank • Road Tax and TV Licence for refund

Admin

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Notes ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................ ........................................................

Admin

What to do when someone dies

Admin

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Useful contacts

Bereavement Care www.bereavementcare.uk 08081 691 922 Bereavement Care is a FREE service designed to help and support people struggling to deal with bereavement. Government services and information www.gov.uk Government services and information all in one place – this website has lots of information and links to lots of other sites that you will find useful, including local authorities. Life Ledger www.lifeledger.com Free, easy-to-use service can help you tell over 1,000 companies across the UK of a death NHS Choices www.nhs.uk Information about local health services and lots of medical/health advice and information about a huge variety of conditions and much more. Citizens Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk This website has an excellent range of information on a very wide range of issues. Money Advice Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Free impartial financial advice

Contacts

What to do when someone dies

Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground

Contacts

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUNERAL

Our burial grounds and crematoria

Set in 8.5 acres and surrounded by beautiful ancient semi-natural woodland and wildflower meadow, providing a picturesque setting for the crematorium building which has been sensitively designed. As well as creating a space that is relevant for all cultures, ages and beliefs, it provides a tranquil sanctuary for the bereaved, inspired by its natural setting.

Bartons Road | Havant | PO9 5NA | 02392 222 648 info@havantcrematorium.co.uk | havantcrematorium.co.uk

Found just outside of New Milton and Christchurch on the edge of the New Forest. It’s set in beautifully rural surroundings against a backdrop of established woodland, offering an attractive and peaceful setting to arrange/attend funeral services or time for reflection.

Found in the south coast town of Wimborne, near Poole. Positioned in 20 acres of mature woodland and rolling green hills, the natural beauty on display here makes our grounds an ideal place for quiet contemplation and remembrance. Home to a rich variety of wildlife and a natural lake as well.

Greenhill Road | Wimborne | BH21 2RG | 01202 888 887 pooleandwimbornewoodlandburial.co.uk

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