Options when there is no money for funeral

Can you specify in a will that you only want a small, inexpensive funeral?

Wouldnt arranging and paying for exactly what you want budget wise be the best option? That way they don't have to do anything.

The will would probably not be read for a long time after the death tho.

I know somebody who not only has their funeral paid for and the plot in the graveyard, but has went so far as having the headstone and surround already erected. Obviously his name and date of death to be added whenever the time comes. That's an extreme case I'll admit (totally creeped me out in the graveyard seeing a headstone with no name on it)

I would suggest you take out a life assurance policy .depending on your circumstances it can be very affordable .I know most people see life assurance as a waste of money but the piece of mind it gives might be worth the small cost to you

The DEASP will pay for the actual funeral. The relation(s) should contact the local Welfare Officer. I believe most funeral homes will actually look after this for the family.

Found link: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/death_related_benefits/benefits_and_entitlements_following_a_death.html

My mother passed away in the summer and in covid times, it was anyway very minimal. With coffin, cremation, some lovely flowers and small church service, hire of hearse and removal from hospital and to funeral home, it cost 4.5k.

it was actually a bit less than I expected but I must say, the funeral directors really were very kind and I’m glad they could take the pressure off. It could have even been a bit cheaper again but cremations in remembrance garden and burial plots make it more expensive.

I have to say, I was really worried how we would pay for it and they did give a discount on the bill being settled within I think 60 Days, some credit unions also give cover for funeral costs, but the cheapest option was a cremation without a service or any of the above (around 2k I think) and glad we didn’t have to look at that option.

Hope it helps and wish you all the best!

I am trying to be delicate here given the subject, but are your parents alive?

If not there would be room in the grave to inter the ashes. If they are still with you what arrangements have they made, and would you be ok being buried with them? Maybe your grandparents grave? I apologise if that sounds off, but it is something to think about. No costs of purchasing a grave or headstone anyway.