When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want is another financial worry. Yet funeral costs can add up quickly, especially when decisions have to be made within a short time.
If you’re looking for funeral assistance in Singapore, there may be several avenues worth checking. There isn’t one universal government funeral grant that every family can apply for.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover funeral expenses from the deceased’s CPF or estate monies, claim a funeral grant through an eligible organisation, or seek help from charitable services.
Here’s what you should know before making arrangements.
You May Be Able to Recover Funeral Expenses from the Deceased’s Funds
Where applicable, eligible beneficiaries can indicate funeral expenses they wish to claim when the Public Trustee administers the deceased’s CPF monies or estate. Generally, claims of up to $6,000 are allowable, subject to the relevant requirements.
For CPF monies, this applies to the deceased’s un-nominated CPF monies. For estate monies, the Public Trustee must be administering the deceased’s estate.
You’ll need to provide the required information and supporting documents when making a claim. These may include:
- Your identification document
- The deceased’s Death Certificate
- Proof of your relationship with the deceased
- The relevant declaration or application forms
- Information about the funeral expenses
Keep your funeral invoices and receipts organised as you make the arrangements. While receipts aren’t compulsory for every CPF funeral expense claim, having your records in order can make it easier to provide information about the expenses incurred.
This isn’t a separate government funeral grant. The money comes from the deceased’s CPF or estate, where applicable.
If you’re unsure whether you can make a claim, check the current requirements with the Public Trustee before assuming that you’re eligible.
You May Be Able to Recover Funeral Expenses from the Deceased’s Funds
If the deceased was a member of the Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-Operative Society Limited (SGSCOOP), their nominee may be able to receive a $300 Funeral Fund Grant.
The grant also applies when an SGSCOOP member’s spouse passes away, in which case the member may receive $200.
The current grant amounts are:
- $300 when an SGSCOOP member passes away, paid to the member’s nominee
- $200 when an SGSCOOP member’s spouse passes away
The Society states that no grant is provided when a member’s parent passes away.
This is a member benefit from SGSCOOP, rather than a Government funeral grant. Membership is open to eligible employees of the Civil Service, Statutory Boards, and Government-linked companies, subject to the Society’s membership requirements.
To apply for the Funeral Fund Grant, the required supporting documents must be submitted. SGSCOOP states that the application should be accompanied by the Death Certificate. If the claim is for the death of a spouse, proof of the relationship between the deceased and the member is also required.
If you think you or the deceased’s nominee may be eligible, check SGSCOOP’s current requirements before submitting a claim.
Check SGSCOOP’s Funeral Fund Grant details
You Can Ask ComCare About Available Financial Assistance
If you’re facing financial hardship, you can also contact ComCare or your nearest Social Service Office to ask about available financial assistance.
ComCare provides support to eligible Singaporeans and their families who need help meeting basic needs such as food, transport, and household bills. Social Service Offices assess each application based on the household’s circumstances and needs, rather than applying income criteria as hard thresholds. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it may still be worth speaking to an officer.
You can contact the ComCare Hotline at 1800-222-0000 or approach your nearest Social Service Office to find out what support may be available.
Charities May Offer Funeral Assistance
Some charitable organisations may provide funeral or bereavement assistance to families facing financial difficulties. Depending on the organisation, this could include free or subsidised funeral services rather than a cash grant.
Eligibility varies between organisations and may depend on factors such as the deceased’s age, living circumstances, financial situation, and family support. If you’re considering this option, check directly with the charity to understand whether its services are available for your circumstances.
If charitable assistance isn’t available, comparing funeral packages and choosing an option that fits the available budget can help manage the overall cost.
What If Funeral Grants Don’t Cover The Full Cost?
Even if you qualify for financial assistance, it may not cover the full cost of the funeral. The final amount can depend on the arrangements you choose, including:
- The type and duration of the wake
- Funeral venue
- Casket
- Embalming and preparation
- Funeral transportation
- Religious or ceremonial arrangements
- Cremation or burial arrangements
- Additional services requested by the family
This is why it helps to understand the total cost before confirming your arrangements.
You don’t have to choose the most elaborate funeral package. What matters is finding an arrangement that respects your loved one while remaining manageable for your family.
Choose an Affordable Funeral Package with Memorial Funeral
If financial assistance isn’t available, choosing a funeral package that fits your budget can help you manage the overall cost.
At Memorial Funeral, we publish our funeral package prices so families can understand their options before making a decision. Our packages cater to different needs and budgets, with our team available 24 hours a day to guide families through the arrangements.
For families looking for a simpler arrangement, our direct cremation package starts from $1,388, while our funeral packages are available at different price points.
Before engaging a funeral director, it’s also worth asking for an itemised breakdown of the package. This helps you understand what’s included, whether additional charges may apply and how the final cost is calculated.
If you’re unsure which arrangement is suitable, our team can explain the available options and the services included in each package, so you can make a decision based on your needs and budget.
Choose an Affordable Funeral Package with Memorial Funeral
There isn’t one universal funeral grant in Singapore. The support available depends on your circumstances, the deceased’s circumstances and whether you meet the requirements of a particular scheme or organisation.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for any of the assistance options covered in this guide before making your funeral arrangements. If financial assistance isn’t available, you can still manage funeral costs by comparing packages, understanding what’s included, and choosing arrangements that fit your budget.
If you need help planning a funeral, call us at +65 8866 3326 to speak with our team.
