Some helpful facts BACK
How do I arrange a funeral? Choose a funeral director and they will guide you in making all the necessary arrangements after a death.
You will need to register the death and then they will discuss with you the type of funeral service you require and make arrangements for you.
You will need to register the death and then they will discuss with you the type of funeral service you require and make arrangements for you.
How do I register a death?Death must be registered within five days.
You may need these for: -
When You Go To the Registrar you will need:
- Medical Certificate of the cause of death
- Deceased's National Health Medical Card
- Deceased's Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate The Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate contain all the information required by the Registrar.
You will also need:
- The Full Name of the Deceased
- Home address
- Date and place of death
- Date and place of birth
- Last occupation
- Date of birth of surviving partner
- Whether the Deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds
- Her maiden name
- Her husband's full name (even if deceased)
- Her husband's last occupation (even if deceased)
- A Green Certificate - to be handed to the funeral director so that the funeral can take place.
- A White Certificate - for social security purpose
You may need these for: -
- The Will
- Any pension claims
- Insurance policies
- Savings bank certificates
- Premium bonds
Are there different types of funeral?Most people either want a burial or a cremation preceeded by a service of thanksgiving. This may be in a church or in the cemetary or crematorium chapel. It is usually conducted by a minister of religion. Other types of funeral can be arranged, including woodland burials and services that are non-religious. A funeral service should be suitable for your own personal circumstances.
How do I pay for the funeral?You will be invoiced for all services and expenses after the funeral has taken place. Fees for Minister, Organist and Crematorium will be included in the final total. All costs will be explained to you at each stage.
Can I choose the music for the funeral service?Music is usually an important part of the funeral service. The person conducting the funeral will discuss choice of music with you, including any hymns you may wish to include or any songs you wish to play. There is usually music at the beginning and the end of the service which you may like to choose. It is sometimes necessary for you to provide a CD of required music. If you have the facility to copy the exact track required, this will assist the organisers greatly.
What is the difference between a cremation and a burial?You will be given the choice of Cremation or Burial.
If there is room, you can choose to have a burial at your local churchyard or cemetary. There is usually a charge for the plot and for digging the grave. Some local authorities have also set aside woodland areas for burial sites. Some families choose to have a burial as they take comfort from the fact that there will be a grave to visit as a place of remembrance.
Cremation remains a popular choice with families. The name of the deceased is placed in the Crematorium 'Book of Remembrance' and you will also be given the option to scatter the ashes or inter them.
If there is room, you can choose to have a burial at your local churchyard or cemetary. There is usually a charge for the plot and for digging the grave. Some local authorities have also set aside woodland areas for burial sites. Some families choose to have a burial as they take comfort from the fact that there will be a grave to visit as a place of remembrance.
Cremation remains a popular choice with families. The name of the deceased is placed in the Crematorium 'Book of Remembrance' and you will also be given the option to scatter the ashes or inter them.
Can you explain the ashes?After a service at the Crematorium, the ashes are carefully collected and stored in an urn for collection at a later date.
Who do I need to inform of the death?Organisations to be Informed of the Death
Items You May Need to Cancel
- Car Insurance - Documentation will have to be changed as you are not legally insured to drive if the policy is in the Deceased Name.
- Social Services/District Nurses - (If there is equipment belonging to either of these, it must be returned)
- Hospital and/or family Doctor (Any outstanding appointments should be cancelled)
- Employer or Professional Association
- Inland Revenue
- Social Security - (Form 344/BD8 needs to be completed to cancel any direct payments into a bank account. This white certificate provided by the Registrar of Deaths)
- Local Council - (Cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax)
- Gas, Electric, Water, Telephone and Cable Companies - (Cancel accounts)
- Post Office - (Arrange redirection of mail, a small charge may be made)
- Credit Card Companies - cancel cards and pay up accounts
- Banks and Building Societies - (Accounts need to be closed and any joint accounts need to be amended)
- Investments and Insurance Policies - (Premium Bonds are not transferable. The Post Office will issue you with a form that needs to be sent to the Bonds and Stocks Office. For further advice we suggest that you consult a Financial Advisor or Accountant.
- Store Cards - (loyalty, charge and credit need to be cancelled)
Items You May Need to Cancel
- Milk
- Newspapers
- Lottery Ticket
- Appointments
- Meals on Wheels
- Home Help
- Chiropodist
- Dentist
- Eye Specialist
- Hairdresser
- Home Care
- Gardener
What else do I need to do?Items to be Returned
- Passport - (You should return the passport to: The Passport Office, U.K. Passport Agency, 5th Floor, India Building, Water Street, Liverpool.
- Driving License - (you should return the driving licence to: D.V.L.A., Swansea, SA99 1 AB) vehicle Registration Documents - (To change name of ownership)
- Car Insurance - (To change Policy Holder's name or a refund may be issued)
- Television License - (To change name or a refund may be issued)
- Season Tickets and Club Memberships Cards – (A refund may be issued)
- Library books and Card
- National Insurance Papers
How soon can I put up a headstone?If the grave is “earth” rather than “brick” then the grave will take six months or more before the ground is firm enough to take the weight of a headstone. If the grave is “bricked” inside, then it does not take as long.
