Financial Matters
As in all things, our
choices may be determined by the costs involved and the cost of a
funeral does depend on the choices made. Your funeral director will
be able to explain the costs of a funeral to you. It is important
for you to let your funeral director know if you have financial
constraints so they can work with you and ensure your funeral costs
do not get overwhelming.
Funerals can be paid by the estate of the deceased, a pre-paid
funeral plan, the person organising and authorising the funeral,
WINZ or ACC. A funeral grant is available through WINZ which
contributes to funeral costs for families meeting their criteria.
This grant is means tested and will not cover the entire cost of a
funeral. ACC will contribute to the cost of a funeral if the death
has been as the result of an accident.
Many people pre-arrange and pre-pay their own
funerals. This can help relieve loved ones of emotional
and financial concerns.
Funeral account
It is important to remember when planning a funeral that the
funeral account is made up of a number of costs.
Firstly there is the funeral director's fee, called a
professional service fee. This fee includes
- taking instructions from the family
- transporting the deceased
- preparing, embalming and casketing the deceased
- arranging the service
- printing the service sheets
- liaising with the florist, minister or celebrant
- organising newspaper notices
- liaising with the council regarding a burial plot
- liaising with a crematorium
- providing authorities with the death certificate and
burial/cremation information
This fee also covers premises, vehicles, staff salaries and the
need to provide a 24 hour service.
Other costs contributing to a funeral account are the costs
associated with a burial (such as the purchasing of a plot) or a
cremation.
The account also includes disbursements and other charges
which may include church/venue fees, doctor's certificates,
catering; service sheets; minister or celebrant; flowers; newspaper
notices; organist, interment fees, DVD presentations/recordings,
memorial books and death certificates. These costs are usually paid
by the funeral director on behalf of the family and the cost then
passed on to the family.