Introduction
Arranging a funeral is an important and pressured job. The last thing you want is for financial concerns to add to this emotional time. But there are some practicalities to work out when paying for a funeral.
When someone dies, their bank accounts are frozen. Access to these funds is usually through the legal process of getting probate, which can take many months after the funeral has already taken place.
This guide will give you clear, practical information on how to manage and pay for funeral costs before probate is granted. We’ll outline the different options, to help prevent financial worries making an already difficult time worse.
Understanding probate and funeral costs
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they have died. It involves applying for the legal authority to manage and distribute the money, investments and property of the person (known as their estate). Probate is not always needed. But if the person who died owned property, or had more than a few thousand pounds in a bank account (different banks have different thresholds) you will need to go through probate.
Why are bank accounts frozen?
After someone dies, any bank accounts held in their sole name are usually frozen by their bank or other financial institutions. This is a standard procedure to keep their assets safe – it means someone cannot just take money out of someone’s account. The money becomes part of their estate, which is made up of their assets minus any debts or liabilities.
When probate is granted, the executor (if there's a will) or administrator (if there's no will), is formally appointed to manage and distribute the person’s estate. They can then pay expenses, settle debts, and share out the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
Priority of funeral expenses
Funeral expenses are generally considered the first priority for anything left by the person who died. This means that if the person who died left enough money, it can be used to cover the funeral expenses before other debts such as rent or utilities. (There are exceptions for certain secured loans like mortgages which need to be paid first.)
But funerals usually take place long before probate is granted. The rest of this article explains the different ways you can pay for the funeral before probate is granted and the person’s accounts are unfrozen.
Practical ways to cover funeral costs before probate
Despite bank accounts being frozen, there are ways to cover funeral costs without having to wait for probate to be granted.
1. Pre-paid funeral plans
Some people pay for their funeral and burial costs ahead of time through a pre-paid funeral plan. If someone has a plan, you can contact the provider and they will explain what has already been paid for. There may be some additional costs to pay, depending on the type of plan.
If you think someone might have a funeral plan but aren’t sure, check with any paperwork in their house. You could also contact local or national funeral providers if you think there’s a good chance someone made a plan but can’t find details.
2. Use joint bank accounts
If the person who died held a joint bank account the money within that account automatically becomes the property of the surviving person after the death is notified.
The surviving account holder needs to tell the financial institution that the person has died, and provide proof, such as a death certificate or certified copy. The bank will then usually ask the account holder to complete and sign a form to transfer the account into their sole name.
Once this process is completed, money can be withdrawn to pay for pressing bills, including funeral costs.
3. Arrange direct payment from the person’s bank account
Even if the person's bank account was in their sole name and has been frozen, many banks or building societies are willing to release funds to cover funeral expenses before probate is granted. This is often paid directly to the funeral home, on receipt of an invoice.
To arrange this, you should contact the bank or building society to find out what their policy is on paying for funerals. You will usually need to provide the bank with a copy of the death certificate and the funeral bill or invoice. They might also accept interim death certificates, coroner’s certificates, or non-UK death certificates (translated into English). Many banks will then pay the money straight to the funeral director.
While banks often cover the main costs such as funeral director's services, the coffin, and cremation charges, they may not agree to cover all associated expenses. You might still need to find the money to pay for things like a headstone, flowers, and catering.
4. Agree for a family member or friend to cover the costs
Sometimes, a friend or family member may choose to pay the funeral costs with their own money. Make sure everyone is clear whether this payment is an outright gift, or whether they expect to be paid back from the estate after probate is granted.
The person who books the funeral and signs the contract is ultimately responsible for the payment. Whether or not they intend to claim these costs back, you should keep a careful record, including receipts for any payments made directly to the funeral home or other providers. Good record keeping can prevent future misunderstandings and disputes.
5. Other insurance policies and payments
The person who died may have bought some other insurance products which can help cover funeral costs. Payouts from life insurance or specific funeral insurance policies can be used to help cover funeral costs. It’s worth checking among paperwork and document folders if you think the person who died might have had this kind of insurance. If they had a personal or family solicitor or financial adviser they may also have details.
With this type of product, one or more named beneficiaries may receive a lump sum upon death. It's important to check the specifics of any plan or policy as the beneficiary might not have to use it solely for funeral expenses.
You could also investigate other potential sources of funds which become available before probate such as private pensions (both work-related and personal), or 'death in service benefits' from an employer.
Before using any funds or policies like these make sure everyone is clear about who is paying and whether or not they will be reimbursed from the estate after probate is granted.
What if there isn’t a way to pay?
If there is not enough money to pay for a funeral there are a few places you can go to for help.
If you are finding it difficult to pay for a funeral and receive certain benefits you can sometimes get a Funeral Expenses Payment. There is government support to pay for funeral costs of a child under the age of 18 in England and Wales.
If no one is able to arrange a funeral the local council can arrange a Public Health Funeral. Contact your local council to find out their rules. It is up to the council if relatives can attend a Public Health Funeral, and they may allow only a few relatives, or none at all.
Organisations like Down to Earth and the Child Funeral Charity also offer support and guidance for those struggling with funeral costs.
For more information on planning a funeral see our Funeral planning article.
Important considerations
Documentation: Always keep records of all communications, agreements, and especially all receipts related to funeral expenses and the estate of the person who died.
Legal advice: If the financial situation of the estate is complex, it might be a good idea to get some professional advice before arranging funeral costs, to be sure they can be met.
Communication: Open and honest communication among family members and friends about funeral arrangements and financial contributions is really important and can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
Frequently asked questions about paying for a funeral before probate
Can you pay funeral expenses before probate in the UK?
Yes, it is often possible to pay for funeral expenses before probate in the UK through various methods, including using joint bank accounts, having banks pay expenses directly from the person's sole account, payments from a third party, or using pre-paid funeral plans or insurance policies.
Can you pay for a funeral from the bank account of someone who’s died?
Yes, many banks will release funds directly to the funeral director from the person's sole bank account to cover funeral costs, even before probate is granted. You typically need to provide a copy of the death certificate and the funeral bill or invoice.
Can an executor pay bills before probate?
While an executor's full authority to administer the estate is awarded by a grant of probate, banks often make an exception for funeral expenses. Other general debts usually require probate before funds can be released from frozen accounts.
Can funeral expenses be deducted from the estate?
Yes, funeral expenses are considered a priority debt against the estate. They are often paid before most other debts, the main exception being secured loans such as mortgages.
Trustestate can help
Arranging a funeral is one of the biggest practical steps after someone dies, but there’s a lot more to be done. Applying for probate is often one of the next steps. Getting support with this process can reduce your family’s stress during an already difficult time.
Let Trustestate take the hassle out of probate for a fixed transparent fee. We offer a simple, streamlined service with expert support at every stage. Book a free call with one of our experts to find out more.
What we offer
Use our Probate and estate administration service and we’ll manage every stage of the process. We’ll take over all the admin, apply to the court for probate, and share out the estate.
Or if the estate is simple, and you have time, you can use our Grant of Probate only service, and we’ll apply for probate using information you provide.
Whichever service you choose, you’ll get dedicated advice every step of the way, and an online platform to keep track of everything.
