Frequently Asked Questions

Please call us on 01642 929090 or email us at support@davidknowlesfuneralservice.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What support is available to me if I am struggling with Bereavement?

If you are struggling with bereavement, you are not alone. When you lose someone you love, coping with bereavement and the grief can be all-consuming.

Everyone is different and you’ll react to the loss in a way that is unique to you. But grief support is available. You might find it helps to talk with someone outside your immediate family or to someone who has been through a similar experience.

When you’re grieving it’s normal to feel disbelief, numbness, anger, physical and mental pain, guilt, depression, and regret. Thinking you’re seeing or hearing someone who has died is also a common experience and can be both comforting and distressing. The old adage ‘time heals’ is true but the reality is that grief takes a different course for us all and sometimes we need a little bereavement help.

You can talk to religious ministers, hospital chaplains, or people from organisations that help bereaved people. For professional bereavement care, you could call one of the following:

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE

Cruse helps anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. Services are free to bereaved people. The charity provides bereavement grief support and offers information, advice, education, and training services.

Day by Day Helpline: 08444 779400

Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk or visit www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional bereavement support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Telephone: 08457 909090

Email: jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org

CHILD BEREAVEMENT CHARITY

The Child Bereavement Charity provides specialised bereavement support, information and training to all those affected when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved.

Telephone: 01494 446648 or visit www.childbereavement.org.uk

THE BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION

The national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs.

Telephone: 02070 793 580 or visit www.humanism.org.uk

At David Knowles Funeral Service we’re here when you need us for all the support and advice you need. For more information regarding our funeral services, please contact us on 01642 929090 or get in touch using our contact form.

How do you arrange a funeral?

The first part of any funeral service arrangement is finding a local funeral director.

We can help you find a venue and put together an order of service. We understand that this can be a painful and stressful time. This is why our funeral directors who serve the communities of: Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas will do everything we can to support you when arranging a funeral.

Who is responsible for arranging a funeral?

Funeral service arrangements are normally carried out by the deceased’s executor. An executor is a person that’s named in the will, who is then responsible for a person’s estate and funeral. Anyone can be an executor, but it is normally a close family member or friend. If you’re named as someone’s executor and need help with any funeral plans in Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas, get in contact with us at David Knowles Funeral Service.

How long after death is a funeral?

Normally a funeral service will take place seven to ten days after someone passes away. However, this time frame will sometimes vary depending on the circumstances. It’s recommended that as soon as someone passes away you should contact a local funeral director to begin making funeral service arrangements.

What documents do you need to give a funeral director?

Our funeral directors who serve the communities of: Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas require a death certificate or ‘green form’ before we can proceed with the service. To receive a death certificate, you will need to register the death of a loved one with the registration service in the geographical area where the person died.

Who is responsible for funeral costs?

In most cases, the estate of the deceased covers the cost of a funeral service. It is common for people to set aside money in their will to cover the cost of a funeral. Funeral service prices vary depending on the type of service you choose. At our local funeral directors, we offer flexible funeral plans in Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas , giving you the freedom to choose the memorial suitable for your loved one.

Do you need a death certificate for a funeral?

Yes, before any funeral can take place you will need to provide your local funeral director with a death certificate. Contact the registration service in the geographical area where the person died and they will help you provide all necessary documents to our funeral directors who serve the communities of: Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas

What does a funeral director do?

A Funeral Director is responsible for helping families with all funeral service arrangements. They will arrange where and when the memorial service will take place. Our family funeral directors will also help you decide whether you should choose a Cremation or Burial service. Our Funeral Directors who serve the communities of: Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas will provide guidance on other funeral service arrangements such as flowers and music.

Are you looking for a funeral director to help you with funeral service arrangements?

At David Knowles Funeral Service we have over 25 years’ experience of helping families give their loved ones a perfect send-off. Get in contact with us by calling 01642 929090.

How much does a Funeral cost and what support is available to me?

We understand the financial strain that funeral organisation can bring, and provide extensive support to help ease this burden. If you find yourself grappling with the financial aspects of a funeral, our dedicated team is ready to discuss various options tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for compassionate assistance with funeral expenses in Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas. We are committed to guiding you through this process and exploring all available options.

Assistance with Funeral Expenses
Priority of Funeral Costs and Bank Payments
Settling Funeral Costs
Eligibility for Funeral Payment Assistance
Bereavement Support Payment and Other Options
Considering Funeral Finance
Assistance with Funeral Expenses

Understanding the financial burden a funeral can impose, we are here to help. If you’re facing difficulties in funding the funeral and require support, our team is ready to discuss various options with you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with funeral expenses in Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas. We’re committed to guiding you through this process and exploring all available options.

Priority of Funeral Costs and Bank Payments.

It’s important to note that funeral expenses are prioritised above other debts in the deceased’s estate. This means if there are sufficient funds in the deceased’s bank account, banks will typically release these funds directly to the funeral director to cover the costs. We encourage families to explore this option with the bank first, as it can relieve the immediate financial pressure of paying the funeral expenses out of personal funds.

Settling the funeral account

Our final invoice is issued after the funeral service. As the person responsible for arranging the funeral, it’s your duty to ensure the invoice is settled within the agreed terms. Keep in mind that using the deceased’s bank funds directly can be a more straightforward option, and we recommend discussing this with the bank as soon as possible.

Advance Payment of Charges.

We require a deposit of 50% of the total estimate, or 100% of the burial fees no later than twenty-four hours prior to the funeral. Payment may be made either by BACS, credit/debit card, cash, or cheque. Please allow 3 clear working days for cheque clearance before the day of the funeral.

If a written cancelation notice is received prior to the service, David Knowles Funeral Service will reimburse the Client, within thirty days of the ceremony date for any advance payment, deposits, excluding any disbursements and fees incurred.

We will not provide those goods and services and new arrangements to provide those services will be made when full payment (together with any penalties or cancellation fees) are received.

We require full payment of Funeral Directors Fees and Disbursements when specifying a ‘Direct’ or ‘Unattended’ Cremation or Burial. Payment must be made prior to the day of the funeral, either by BACS, credit/debit card, cash, or cheque. Please allow 3 clear working days for cheque clearance before the day of the funeral.

If you fail to make payment by the required date the contract for the provision of those services will be deemed to be breached.

Eligibility for Funeral Payment Assistance.

You may be eligible for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund, which assists with funeral expenses. This benefit is means-tested and requires the person arranging the funeral to receive government benefits. It covers essential burial or cremation costs and up to £1,000 towards the funeral director’s fees for deaths after 8th April 2020.

Bereavement Support Payment and Other Options.

If your spouse or civil partner passed away on or after 6 April 2017, you could be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, depending on specific criteria. To qualify, your partner should have either paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks or died due to a work-related accident or disease.

If your spouse or civil partner passed away on or after 6 April 2017, you could be eligible for

Bereavement Support Payment, depending on specific criteria. To qualify, your partner should have either paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks or died due to a work-related accident or disease.

At the time of their death, you must have been under the State Pension age and living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits.

Further Information and Support.

For comprehensive details about these benefits and to apply for assistance from the Social Fund, please visit www.direct.gov.uk or your nearest Jobcentre Plus. They can also provide guidance about funeral expense payments.

If the deceased was part of a company pension scheme, you might be eligible for support with funeral expenses through the scheme. Contact the pension provider for more information.

Considering Funeral Finance?

If you’re contemplating a loan for funeral expenses, Funeral Safe provides tailored solutions to help manage the costs associated with funerals. Here are some key points:

Range of Loans: Funeral Safe offers unsecured loans ranging from £500 to £10,000, enabling a broad range of financial needs to be met.

Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans can be repaid over a period ranging from 12 months to 5 years, offering flexibility to suit different financial situations.

Interest Rates: The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) varies from 10.75% to 27.9%, depending on the individual’s circumstances and credit assessment.

No Early Settlement Fees: Borrowers have the option to repay their loan early without incurring additional fees, providing more control over their financial commitments.

Regulated Lending: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorises and regulates Funeral Safe, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy service.

Company Background: Created by experts from the funeral industry and financial sector, Funeral Safe is governed by a board of representatives from both fields, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those arranging funerals.

Application Process: The process to apply for funeral finance is straightforward. It involves receiving a finance offer through a funeral arranger or directly from Funeral Safe’s website, accepting the offer via electronic signature, and then having the funeral account settled directly with the funeral director. The repayment journey commences on the agreed date.

These features demonstrate Funeral Safe’s commitment to providing accessible and tailored financial solutions for those facing funeral costs.

For more information on available resources to assist with funeral expenses in Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and surrounding areas, please feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help guide you through this challenging time.

How do I acknowledge the anniversary of a death?

Knowing how to commemorate a death anniversary, especially the first death anniversary, of a loved one is difficult. This day often comes with a mix of emotions so it’s best to do something you feel comfortable with. Remembering a death anniversary could mean visiting where you laid your loved one to rest. Another way to acknowledge this difficult day is to create a tradition with family and friends. This is different for everyone, but you could go on a trip or a walk, cook a meal together or even have a party in their memory.

Can I send a gift when someone passes away?

Choosing a sympathy gift is all about showing the bereaved that you care. A good memorial gift doesn’t have to be anything specific, although flowers are a traditional funeral gift. If you want to give something a bit more unique then you could make the bereaved a gift basket or donate to charity in their loved one’s name. Anything that they can enjoy with their family makes good bereavement gifts such as chocolate, wine or a gift voucher for a restaurant.

What to write in a sympathy card?

When someone is suffering a loss, it is sometimes difficult to know what to write in a sympathy card. Trying to find the words to express your sympathy is tricky whether you know the person well or not. Sympathy card messages do not have to be long, but it is important that they are warm and comforting. People can take great comfort in your words so just try and express your condolences to them and their family.

What do I wear to a funeral?

Many people find it difficult to know what to wear to a funeral, especially if it is their first time at this type of service. Knowing what is appropriate to wear to a funeral is quite simple. Black clothing is traditional at a funeral but not mandatory. Any dark coloured suit, dress or skirt is suitable. This along with a formal coat and black shoes is a perfectly acceptable funeral outfit. If you have any questions, ask the immediate family for guidance. You can also check the funeral invite, as some families do mention a theme colour or request no black, or contact the funeral directors and they will be able to let you know of any family requests.

What do I bring to a funeral?

Going to a funeral is a difficult experience even if you did not know the deceased, a lot of people wonder what do you take to a funeral service? A traditional sympathy gift is flowers, but it is difficult to know what flowers do you bring to a funeral. Roses, Lilies, Orchids, and Chrysanthemums are all common funeral flowers. It is nice to accompany any flowers with a sympathy card, even a short message will be of great comfort to the bereaved. However, some families do request no flowers at funerals so make sure to check the invite first.

What kind of cremation urns can be buried?

You can bury urns for ashes made from metal or cultured materials such as marble and granite. These can withstand the pressure of soil underground far longer than a cremation urn made of clay or weaker materials. Alternatively, biodegradable urns made with non-toxic resources are also suitable for burial. They degrade over time in the earth and do not pollute or damage the ground. Biodegradable urns are becoming more and more popular because of their environmentally friendly factor.

What size cremation urn do I need?

On average, the size of a cremation urn is calculated by a cubic inch of space for every pound of a person’s weight. For example, if a person’s total weight is 170lbs, then the urn size will need to be 170 cubic inches or bigger. An urn with a capacity of 3litres plus is suitable for the cremated remains of an average size adult.

When purchasing online, you will typically see descriptions that say ‘adult urn’ or ‘small urn’. These can help you determine more easily whether the size of the urn is a suitable size for your requirements.

How long do ashes last in an urn?

As long as the seal is strong, cremated remains tend to last in an urn for hundreds to thousands of years. This will be different however if the urn for ashes is buried underground or in water. Depending on the material, a biodegradable urn can take anywhere from 1 to 25 years to decompose in soil. Funeral urns for ashes scattered in the ocean will degrade much more quickly.

If you want to preserve the remains for a lifetime, the best recommendation is to store them in a durable urn at home.

What’s the difference between an urn and an ashes casket?

The difference between an urn and ashes casket is that an ashes casket is most often in a box shape, whereas an urn is the vessel cremated remains are stored in. Funeral urns for ashes can come in all shapes and designs. More traditional urns come in a vase-like shape which many display as an ornament.

Does an urn or casket hold the full amount of adult ashes?

Whether an urn or ashes casket can hold a full amount of adult ashes will depend on the size. Small urns or mini urns will not have the capacity to hold an adults cremated remains. An adult urn on the other hand will be designed to hold this amount. You can find both caskets and funeral urns for ashes in a variety of sizes.

What is a memorial keepsake?

A memorial keepsake is an item or object that a person keeps in memory of a loved one lost. There are many types of memorial keepsakes available today. The most common types include: a keepsake bracelet, cuddle stone, a memorial candle holder, and keepsake urns.

What is the best keepsake to remember someone?

The best keepsake gifts to remember a loved one will vary for each individual. Memorial keepsakes include keepsake bracelets or jewellery and ashes keepsakes to store cremated remains. People also tend to choose memorial candle holders, which you can light in honour of your loved one.

We have a beautiful range of memorial keepsakes to remember someone that you have lost. These are sourced from high-quality brands to ensure you can make their memory last a lifetime. If you need any guidance with selecting a product to match your loved one, contact us by calling 01642 929090 or email support@davidknowlesfuneralservice.co.uk

What is an ashes keepsake?

An ashes keepsake is a type of memorial keepsake designed to hold a small amount of loved one’s ashes. Also known as a keepsake urn, these come in the form of keepsake bracelets, pieces of art, and smaller urns for ashes.

What is the difference between an Undertaker and a Funeral Director?

The terms are often used interchangeably but usually refer to the same thing. However, sometimes they can mean the following:

Undertaker – the person in charge of the body and funeral service
Funeral Director – someone who operates a funeral home

Frequently Asked Questions

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