Funeral arrangements and costs

After someone dies, one of the first things to organise is the funeral. A funeral director or undertaker can help you manage most of the arrangements.

If the person died in hospital, their body will usually be kept in the hospital mortuary until plans are made. You can choose to:

• Bring the person home, or have them taken to a funeral home

The deceased may have left specific wishes in their will, including:

• The type of funeral (religious or non-religious)
• The location for burial or cremation
• Preferences for a private or public service

These decisions are personal and should be made by you and your family based on the wishes of the deceased and your own circumstances. A celebrant can help make the service meaningful and personal, regardless of whether it is religious or non-religious.

Funeral Costs

In some cases, the funeral may already be prepaid or covered by a funeral insurance policy. If not, the person arranging the funeral is responsible for payment to the funeral director.

These costs can later be reimbursed from the deceased’s estate (their money, property, and assets).

To help manage costs:

• Discuss expenses with family members before finalising anything, so the financial burden is shared and not placed on one person.
• If you’re having difficulty covering the costs, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

You can apply for help through the Department of Social Protection (DSP):

• This support is considered an “additional needs” payment
• Apply at your local Intreo Centre
• Use Form SWA1, available online or from your local Intreo office