USEFUL INFORMATION
The sudden death of family or a friend will lead to stress and confusion. In such a situation, you, as the next in kin must take the right steps to ensure a peaceful last journey for your loved ones. Stephen Johnstone & Son Funeral Directors are here to help guide you at every step of the planning process. Here is some useful information you need to know about funeral planning to help you prepare:
WHAT TO DO WHEN A DEATH OCCURS?
When death occurs at home, you must call your family doctor. If the death has occurred due to an accident or under suspicious circumstances, contact the police. A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued by the doctor will be required to register the death.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO REGISTER THE DEATH
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- NHS medical card
- Names of insurance companies involved
- War pension records if any
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CREMATION?
- An application form signed by the executor or the kin
- Cremation form 4 signed by the family doctor and cremation form 5 signed by a doctor not related to the family doctor
- Cremation form 10 signed by the medical referee
- The certificate for disposal (Green certificate) issued by the Register Office
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND REGARDING BURIALS
- The grave number and the section is needed
- Burials in churchyards are subject to rules and regulations with regards to headstones and memorials
- Purchasing a grave can be an expensive affair
- The certificate for disposal (Green certificate) is need before the burial
ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO GET HELP WITH FUNERAL EXPENSES?
If you or your partner are getting one of the qualifying benefits such as:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment
- Pension credit
- Housing benefit
- Council tax benefit
- Working tax credit
- Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element
WHAT DO FUNERAL DISBURSEMENTS CONSIST OF?
- Obituary in newspapers
- Doctors’ fees
- Minister’s fees
- Funeral director’s fees
- Flower tributes
- Cemetery charges
- Cremation fee
WHO NEEDS TO BE INFORMED IN CASE OF A DEATH?
After the death of your loved one, it is advisable and practical to ensure that valuables and sentimental items are removed and kept safely. It is also important that you inform others like: the police station, hospital, doctor, the employer, supplier of energy, water and telephone services, post office and banks.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH THE REMAINS?
- Scatter them in the Garden of Remembrance at the crematorium
- Scatter in a place deemed appropriate by you and as per your loved one’s request
- Share amongst relatives
DIRECTGOV:
The government now makes much of its service information available on-line via “DirectGov”. You can find more details about Funeral Payments from the Social Fundhere.
The following links may also be useful:
- Download Funeral Payment claim form (PDF document)
- Find your nearest Job Centre Plus
- Funeral Supplies
- Funeral Poems
- Remembrance Books
- Minuetman Press
