Do I need to plan my funeral during my lifetime?
Planning your funeral in advance can ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time and ensures that your wishes are met. But how exactly should you plan for your funeral, and is this necessary?
Pre-paid Funeral Plan
You can arrange and pay for your funeral during your lifetime by way of a pre-paid funeral plan. This ensures your funeral wishes are honoured and can also protect against rising costs. However, not all funeral services may be covered by the plan such as flowers or a memorial. It is important that details of any plan are known by your loved ones or even stored with your Will. Funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority so you should ensure that it is arranged with a regulated provider.
Life Insurance Policies
A life insurance policy can be set up during your lifetime. This will pay out a lump sum on your death so that your funeral can be paid for. Your loved ones will still have the responsibility of planning your funeral.
Payable on Death (POD) Accounts
You can set up a bank account during your lifetime where you can name a person to receive a lump sum of your death. These accounts are set up specifically to cover funeral expenses. As with a life insurance policy, your loved ones will still be responsible for planning your funeral.
But what if I do not want to plan my funeral now? How will this be paid for?
Savings and Investments
On death, your bank and building society accounts are usually frozen. However, many bank and building societies will pay for your funeral on the production of a funeral invoice. This will only be possible if there are sufficient funds in your account.
Loan
Where funds are insufficient or not immediately available, there is an option for your loved ones to take out a personal loan to pay for your funeral. However, any loan may be subject to high interest rates.
Crowdfunding and Community Support
More commonly in recent years, platforms have been set up and have become a popular method to raise money for funeral expenses. This allows families to reach out to friends, relatives and the community for financial support.
Government Assistance
Dependent on your circumstances, your loved ones may be eligible for government funeral assistance if they cannot afford a funeral. There are several government schemes and programs that can be accessed, but their availability is subject to certain requirements.
Whilst planning your funeral in advance can provide peace of mind for your loved ones, there are ways and means of paying for your funeral if you do not.
If you are seeking legal advice, please give our friendly Probate, Wills & Trusts team a call on 0116 212 1000 or complete our free online Contact Us form.
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