Aftercare
It is a legal requirement in Ireland that every death that takes place in the State must be recorded and registered. Records of deaths in Ireland are held in the General Register Office, which is the central civil repository for records relating to Births, Marriages and Deaths in Ireland.
Deaths must be registered as soon as possible after the death and no later than 3 months. It is usually registered by the next of kin. Alternatively, it may be registered by a person who was present during the death or final illness of the Deceased, or has knowledge of the required particulars. Further information on who can register the death is available from the General Register Office.
A death can be registered in the office of any Registrar of Births, Marriages, and Death, irrespective of where the death occurs. Deery’s Funeral Directors will assist you in completing this task. You can apply for a copy of a death certificate in any Registrar of Births, Marriages and Death or to the General Register Office.
Money matters after a death
When someone close to you dies there are many things that have to be decided and done at a time of considerable stress. Overview of issues such as social welfare entitlements, tax and other money matters that may need to be addressed. Deery’s Funeral Directors will do everything in our power to best advise and assist you in these matters.
Grant assistance
After bereavement, it may be of interest to you to know that there might be financial supports and certain grants & payments available to you. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) provides certain one-off payments to help out families during this difficult time. Your local DEASP’s representative (formerly known as the Community Welfare Officer) deals with some of these payments.
Exceptional Needs Payments for Funeral Expenses (from €850)
These payments are paid under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. You may be eligible for an Exceptional Needs Payment to help you with the cost of a funeral if your income is low. Each case is decided on its merits by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s representative (formerly known as the Community Welfare Officer) at your local office.
Occupational Injury Benefit Scheme – Special Funeral Grant
To be eligible for this grant, the death must have resulted from:
- an accident at work
- an accident while travelling directly to or from work
- an occupational disease
For more information, please click here:
Widowed Parent Grant (€6000)
This grant is available where a death occurs of a parent with dependent children (under 18 or over if in full-time education). The Grant is paid when the widowed parent applies for the widow/widower pension.
For more information click here:
Credit Union – Death Benefit Insurance
Death Benefit Insurance (DBI) is a unique service offered by some Credit Unions to help pay for end of life expenses. It pays a fixed lump sum in the event of death and where death is as a result of an accident, the lump sum can be doubled. There are some terms and conditions to meet for inclusion and you should ask your Credit Union about these and the amount of DBI lump sum currently payable. Further details may be obtained from Carrickmacross Credit Union.
Useful Links
Please find below some information that may be of some assistance to you and your family during the difficult time of the loss of a loved one.
Sudden or unexplained death
An overview of what happens when someone dies as a result of an accident or in unexplained circumstances.
Practical arrangements after a death
Bereavement counselling and support service
Talking to someone you trust about your feelings of loss can be a great support when someone dies. Family and friends can give you support, and there are several organisations that offer counselling and support services.
Support services for those affected by suicide
If you or somebody you know who has been bereaved by suicide experience this, please reach out for help to a family member or friend, or to one of the organisations listed below.
Understanding Bereavement and Grief
Networks and support materials that can help guide you and offer you help and solace when you need it most.
Bereavement Counselling for Carers
Everyone experiences loss during life. However, for carers many of the changes and losses experienced come quickly and can lead to feelings of grief. Other people may understand that you feel grief for the person who has died but they may not realise that you can also feel the loss of not being a carer anymore.
Bereavement and Childbirth
The death of a baby is deeply saddening. Whether you suffer a miscarriage, a stillbirth or the sudden death of an infant, you can be left with deep feelings of grief and loss. Grief is an individual process and you and your partner or family may grieve in different ways.
If you have any questions about planning a funeral.