Battling with arrangements and formalities can be a struggle at the best of times, but even more so when you are in shock and mourning after losing a loved one. Being prepared will make it a little easier.
Not long after the death of someone close, you’re suddenly faced with organising a funeral. Soon you’ll discover how many things have to be done and arranged. You might also not be able to cover the unexpected cost, an added worry while you are in distress.
Here is some guidance on how to be ready.
COSTS TO EXPECT WHEN PLANNING A FUNERAL
The most expensive item at a funeral is usually the coffin, which starts at around R800 and can be much higher. Cremation costs from around R7 000, with about R1 500 for an urn.
The price of a grave depends on where it is and will probably be at least R1 500. The simplest tombstone could cost R1 500 as well.
Undertaker fees are charged by a funeral home and can start at R4 000. An extra cost might apply to get permission for cremation.
Catering for a funeral will depend on the number of people who attend and transportation may be covered by the undertaker, but it isn’t always.
Funeral directors with their experience can make things a lot easier. Choose the director who best suits you based on price, religious requirements or any other factor.
Overall, a funeral can cost from R3 000 to R40 000.
Here is some guidance on how to be ready.
COSTS TO EXPECT WHEN PLANNING A FUNERAL
The most expensive item at a funeral is usually the coffin, which starts at around R800 and can be much higher. Cremation costs from around R7 000, with about R1 500 for an urn.
The price of a grave depends on where it is and will probably be at least R1 500. The simplest tombstone could cost R1 500 as well.
Undertaker fees are charged by a funeral home and can start at R4 000. An extra cost might apply to get permission for cremation.
Catering for a funeral will depend on the number of people who attend and transportation may be covered by the undertaker, but it isn’t always.
Funeral directors with their experience can make things a lot easier. Choose the director who best suits you based on price, religious requirements or any other factor.
Overall, a funeral can cost from R3 000 to R40 000.
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Related article: 4 Health checks that could save your life
THE PROCESS FOR REPORTING A DEATH
A death should be reported to the police, especially if it happened at home.
A doctor or the state mortuary will issue a death notice. A death must also be registered with Home Affairs, who will issue a death certificate.
It’s important to notify the funeral insurance provider before you make any further plans. The deceased’s employer and yours also have to be contacted promptly so that you can take time away from work to make arrangements. If there are people close to you who can help, ask them to make some of the calls to notify relatives and friends.
Once you know the date and venue, you can begin to plan more personal aspects of the funeral service. Remember that a funeral service is not a legal requirement in South Africa. You could have a memorial event later if preferred.
In many cases, a funeral director will help you contact religious officials, cemetery managers and cremation officials.
A death should be reported to the police, especially if it happened at home.
A doctor or the state mortuary will issue a death notice. A death must also be registered with Home Affairs, who will issue a death certificate.
It’s important to notify the funeral insurance provider before you make any further plans. The deceased’s employer and yours also have to be contacted promptly so that you can take time away from work to make arrangements. If there are people close to you who can help, ask them to make some of the calls to notify relatives and friends.
Once you know the date and venue, you can begin to plan more personal aspects of the funeral service. Remember that a funeral service is not a legal requirement in South Africa. You could have a memorial event later if preferred.
In many cases, a funeral director will help you contact religious officials, cemetery managers and cremation officials.
Related article: How to talk to children about grief
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD
Many life insurance policies will pay an immediate burial allocation after notification of death. The money can be used to cover everything from transport to a tombstone.
Most insurers offer many options that can include cover for a spouse, parents and even extended family. In South Africa, a funeral policy can cost as little as R50 per month. If you apply for cover at the age of 65 or older, you can expect to pay more.
Many banks, insurance companies and even some chain stores have funeral plans. Finding cheap cover is easy and the younger you are when you apply, the lower your rate will be.
Get a few quotes so that you can compare prices and benefits. Look for cover that is easy to understand, offers good value and makes claiming straightforward.
Many life insurance policies will pay an immediate burial allocation after notification of death. The money can be used to cover everything from transport to a tombstone.
Most insurers offer many options that can include cover for a spouse, parents and even extended family. In South Africa, a funeral policy can cost as little as R50 per month. If you apply for cover at the age of 65 or older, you can expect to pay more.
Many banks, insurance companies and even some chain stores have funeral plans. Finding cheap cover is easy and the younger you are when you apply, the lower your rate will be.
Get a few quotes so that you can compare prices and benefits. Look for cover that is easy to understand, offers good value and makes claiming straightforward.
JOIN JET CLUB AND GET A FUNERAL PAYOUT OF UP TO R5000.00
Jet Club includes a funeral benefit which pays a set amount if you die, or if your partner dies. Your partner is the one you nominated when you sign up for a Jet Club membership, who is your legal husband/wife or a person who lives with you as if you are married, with whom you intend to stay and have lived with for at least 12 months in a row.
If you die, we make a cash payout of R3 500 and for partners, we pay R1 500.
Jet Club can also help with repatriation when a body is more than 100 km from home or a burial place. You will also be assisted with the necessary documentation and coordination with authorities.
When immediate family is needed to identify the deceased, one night's accommodation to the value of R500.00 will be arranged by Jet Club.
The new Sendoff app digitises the entire process of arranging a funeral. Everything that needs to be done, can be arranged and booked here.
Jet Club includes a funeral benefit which pays a set amount if you die, or if your partner dies. Your partner is the one you nominated when you sign up for a Jet Club membership, who is your legal husband/wife or a person who lives with you as if you are married, with whom you intend to stay and have lived with for at least 12 months in a row.
If you die, we make a cash payout of R3 500 and for partners, we pay R1 500.
Jet Club can also help with repatriation when a body is more than 100 km from home or a burial place. You will also be assisted with the necessary documentation and coordination with authorities.
When immediate family is needed to identify the deceased, one night's accommodation to the value of R500.00 will be arranged by Jet Club.
The new Sendoff app digitises the entire process of arranging a funeral. Everything that needs to be done, can be arranged and booked here.
HELPFUL LINKS
• Jet Club funeral benefit
• Jet Club repatriation assistance
Jet Club members may access their funeral benefit by calling:
• 0800 00 45 45 (South Africa and Namibia)
• +2711 991 8258 (Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland)
Simply select option “3”.
Not a Jet Club member yet? Visit your nearest Jet store and sign up today to access the Funeral benefit and a world of rewards. Click here to see the full list of benefits and rewards.
The funeral benefit is underwritten by Hollard Life Assurance Company Limited, a licensed life insurer in terms of the Insurance Act 18 of 2017.
• Jet Club funeral benefit
• Jet Club repatriation assistance
Jet Club members may access their funeral benefit by calling:
• 0800 00 45 45 (South Africa and Namibia)
• +2711 991 8258 (Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland)
Simply select option “3”.
Not a Jet Club member yet? Visit your nearest Jet store and sign up today to access the Funeral benefit and a world of rewards. Click here to see the full list of benefits and rewards.
The funeral benefit is underwritten by Hollard Life Assurance Company Limited, a licensed life insurer in terms of the Insurance Act 18 of 2017.
Sources: https://www.clearscore.com, https://funeralguide.co.za, https://www.icover.co.za, https://www.moneyexpert.co.za
FUNERAL COSTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
April 08, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
April 08, 2022
Rating:
