What happens if you can't afford a funeral in South Africa?

Did you know: South Africans will have to fork out between R3000 to R50 000 for a funeral service in South Africa.

A basic grave burial or cremation service at popular funeral parlour, Avbob, could cost you between R18 500 to R22 000.

Read more about the cost of funerals in South Africa and what basic funeral packages cost at popular funeral homes in the country.

If you or your family can’t pay for a funeral in South Africa, your loved one may be considered for a pauper (destitute) burial. 

What is a pauper (destitute) burial?

A pauper or destitute funeral is either for an individual or body that has not been identified. It can also apply to a person whose family members cannot afford to give the person a funeral. 

The following criteria needs to be met for a person to qualify for a destitute funeral in Cape Town:

• The deceased did not have income that was greater than the government pension or a government disability pension. 
• There is no funeral insurance policy or estate to pay for a burial or cremation. 
• No person with legal duty that has the ability to support the burial. 
• A person who does have the legal duty to support the burial does not have sufficient funds
• No-one else, NGO or religious organisation has said they could pay for the burial. 

How do I apply for a paupers funeral if my family can’t afford a funeral in South Africa?

1: You can get an application from a councillor or subcouncil manager. Alternatively, you can download it here. 

2: Once you’ve completed the form, you can submit it at your closest cemetery booking office with a sworn affidavit confirming that all the information in your application is true. View the list of cemeteries here. 

3: Upon receipt of your application, you will be invited to an interview with a City Recreation and Parks official and subcouncil manager.  During this interview it will be decided on whether or not your application will be approved.

4: If the application for the burial has been approved, preparations for the burial will begin. If your application was not successful, you will be notified. 

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to be thinking about are funeral costs and whether or not you will qualify for a destitute funeral.

The truth is, most people won't qualify.

Instead of running the risk of not being able to afford a funeral for yourself and your family members and give them the dignity they deserve even in death, ensure you sign up for funeral cover at Meerkat. By signing up for Meerkat's funeral cover, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones will be taken care of financially when the time comes.

Meerkat understands the importance of honoring and preserving the memory of those we have lost, which is why we offer affordable funeral plans that cover all the necessary expenses, including burial costs. With Meerkat's funeral cover, you can rest assured that your family will not have to stress about the financial burden during such a difficult time.

Don't leave your or your family's future to chance, ensure you are all protected with Meerkat's reliable and comprehensive funeral cover today.