Some banks or building societies will let you use money from the person's accounts to pay for funeral costs.
If not you will need to pay and then recover the money from the estate later.
How much a funeral costs
Funeral costs are usually made up of funeral director fees and separate cremation or burial fees.
You can save money and learn how to arrange a funeral yourself on the Money Advice Service's website .
Funeral directors fees
Funeral director fees can start between £800 and £2,000. They usually cover:
- meetings and paperwork
- collecting the person and caring for them before the funeral
- running the funeral
- a hearse or another vehicle for transport to the funeral
- a basic coffin
Burial and cremation fees
An adult burial in Leeds can cost £3,194. This includes:
- £1,391 for interment fees
- £1,803 for a new burial plot (optional)
Normal adult cremation fees are £1,048. You can also arrange a cremation without a service for £325.
Using our chapels or crematoriums for a private memorial service costs £364.
Visit our fees and charges page for a full list of services and costs.
If you need to buy or transfer a grave you can find out more on our Buying memorials and graves page.
Paying for a funeral
If you arrange a funeral you are responsible for paying the bill. You should check where the money will come from and if there will be enough. You can pay for a funeral using money from:
- the money the person leaves behind (their estate)
- a funeral scheme or prepaid funeral plan
- a life insurance policy
- a pension scheme
Help to pay for a funeral
Some people can get help to pay for a funeral from the government.
We can help you to find out if you are eligible, get the right forms and apply for support. If you need help to apply, contact us.
If you are on Universal Credit or get benefits
If you are on Universal Credit or get benefits you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment to help pay the funeral costs.
Find out how it works, check if you are eligible and apply at GOV.UK.
Get a loan from Leeds Credit Union
Leeds Credit Union can give you a low cost loan to pay the full cost of the funeral. You can apply online or using a paper form.
Help paying for a child's funeral
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for some of the costs of a funeral for:
- a child under 18
- a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy
If you used a funeral director they will make the claim.
If you arranged the funeral yourself you can find out how to claim at GOV.UK.
Contact us
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0113 376 0452
(Monday to Thursday 9am to 4:30pm, Wednesdays 10:15am to 4:30pm and Fridays 9am to 4pm)
