dying with no money to pay for funeral?

Question

the person arranging the funeral does not qualify for any grant and they cannot afford the funeral do the state step in and arrange does anyone know please what happens

Answer 1

the burden is placed on the family..they have to come up with the money..it doesn't matter if they have the means or not...it will be their responsiblility or that of the power of attorney

Answer 2

No the state does not step in. Funerals are the burden of the family or heirs of the deceased person. Now there is a Social Security death benefit, but that is only $250.00 for somebody already receiving social security benefits.

The funeral expenses are a debt of the estate of the deceased person, so if the person dying had any property, it is appropriate to liquidate that to pay the funeral debts--ahead of distributing it to any heir.

If there is no estate, then usually the next of kin foot the bill.

There are alternatives to expensive funeral arrangements.
The average funeral, not including cemetary fees, costs about $6,000. However, there are organizations that can do it for considerably less--one such organization is CAFA. Cremation is less expensive than a burial, so you might want to check out this alternative as well.

Another possibility is did the deceased belong to a fraternal organization--like the Masons? My grandfather's burial plot was purchased for him by his Masonic Lodge, so you might want to check with any organizations the deceased person belonged to, they may have a death benefit of some kind.

Also, the Federal Trade Commission has rules on funerals which can help you keep the costs lower..some of the rules are:

According to the Funeral Rule:

you have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with some exceptions).
the funeral provider must state this right in writing on the general price list.
if state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
the funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
a funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.

Answer 3

If no one assumes responsibility for a deceased person, the body is disposed of as provided by law. In most states it is local county or municipal governments; in some it is state; in some a combination. In a few places the health department or even the police do it but in most disposal is handled by local funeral homes under contract. They prepare & embalm the body & either cremate & bury the ashes or truck the body out to wherever the local government has supplied a burial field. As I understand it more & more governments are moving toward cremation.

Answer 4

In the UK if the deceased has made National Insurance contributions in the 2 years prior to their death then the next of kin (in certain cases) can claim a bereavement grant, this would cover the funeral costs.

Suggest you contact the local social services department - they usually have information like this on their web sites - also the link may help.

Answer 5

I do know that for unclaimed bodies the state arranged a paupers funeral, but that is about all I know.

Not to sound tacky and mean, but cremation really cuts the cost of a funeral because there is not casket, no viewing, etc. It's a viable alternative for about 1/3 of the cost.

Answer 6

The matter will be handled by the local authority of the place where the person died. The officer in charge will visit the person's home and take an inventory of any property and will use any money to defray funeral costs. If there is any contact who can be of assistance in making arrangements for a cremation and liaising with next of kin, the local authority will be glad of assistance, particularly when it comes to appointing the clergyman (or otherwise) to officiate. The body will be disposed of by way of cremation, but normally the local authority will relax this rule if there is a family grave.

Answer 7

If the family have no money (for example, being on Social Security) there is a grant available for the funeral costs-in the UK

Answer 8

Check with the Social Services, or with your religion leadership in your area, and ask friends & relatives for any solutions...and how to raise funds fast, and do not include your Doctors in the plans...because when they found out you are raising funds...they will create new Medical Bills...and they will consume the funds with false hopes...before you will be able to use the funds for the real thing. Last sugestion donate your body to the Medical science...this way you will not have to wory about funeral bills before and after you go.

Answer 9

I think that State does have a responsibility to bury people if they really can't afford it, but usually it's the family that have to pay most of the costs.

Answer 10

Yes, the state has an interest in disease control, so they will arrange for disposal of the remains of someone who is indigent, unclaimed (a 'john doe') or is otherwise unable to arrange for a burial/cremation.

Answer 11

I honestly don't know but you should contact your local authority/social services to talk to them. Presumably, the State will help - there must be many people who die without money to pay for their funeral.