Advanced Funeral Planning
It is becoming quite common for individuals to plan for their funeral for the purpose of ensuring their wishes are carried out and to minimise the stress on those left behind in terms of managing the funeral arrangements.
If you would like to discuss Advanced Funeral Planning with us in strictest confidence we will meet with you at the location of your choice to talk through your wishes, to advise and assist in whatever way we can.
We will arrange to draw up the details of your wishes for your approval and to have them forwarded to your executor/solicitor for the purpose of ensuring your specified wishes are carried out.
For any queries, please contact us.
The cost of a funeral
The cost of a funeral is made up of three charges:
- Charges by the Funeral Director, to include the removal of the deceased, the embalming of the body, and our professional fee for the arrangement and co-ordination of the funeral.
- Coffin or casket as chosen by family.
- Disbursements paid out by us on your behalf to include grave purchase, grave opening and closing, cremation fees, newspapers, radio stations, organist, soloist, church offerings and gratuities.
The cost of each funeral will vary depending on the funeral chosen. We will provide you with an estimate of the cost based on your wishes. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time for details of the cost of a funeral.
Death Certificate
A Death Certificate may be obtained from the local Registrar. To find out who this is, you need to speak to the deceased persons General Practitioner, Nursing Home Doctor, Hospital Mortuary Technician or the Coroner involved.
If a post mortem has taken place, it could take anything from 3 months onwards for the Coroners inquest report to be established. You should contact the Coroner involved in relation to this. If you need an interim cert in the meantime, the Coronors office will issue same.
Old Age Pension Books
Pension Books should be returned to the local Post Office. If there is either a husband or wife left behind and they are not divorced or legally separated, they are entitled to the deceased persons pension in full for a further 6 weeks. However, the pension book should be returned to the Post Office as soon as possible after the death has occurred and the 6 week pension will be sent to them in full within 2 to 3 weeks.
Widows / Widowers Contributory & Non-Contributory Pensions
The application forms and explanatory booklets may be given to a family member at the time of the funeral arrangements or may be obtained from our offices.
Carer’s Allowance
If a family member / friend is on Carer’s Allowance when the death of the person they are claiming for occurs the person claiming Carer’s Allowance is entitled to the allowance for a further 6 weeks. However, they must notify the Social Welfare officer in question and the full 6 weeks allowance should be forwarded within 2-3 weeks of notification.
Help towards funeral costs – The Bereavement Grant
Please note that the Bereavement Grant available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs has been discontinued.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get assistance towards the funeral expenses under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, which is operated by the Health Boards. No social insurance contributions are required as payment is based on the means of the person responsible for paying the funeral bill. You should apply to your local Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre before you pay the funeral bill, as the cheque will be issued to the undertaker/funeral director. The SWA scheme also provides for Exceptional Needs Payments in particular situations.
Support Services
In addition to ensuring a professional and dignified funeral service we are here to support the bereaved family with information on other resources covering areas such as:-
- Support organisations
- Support websites
- Leaflets and booklets on grief, support and self care
If we can assist in any other way please do not hesitate to contact us.