Funeral grant
A relative can apply for a grant when the deceased's estate cannot cover funeral expenses. The grant is paid to the funeral service and can be up to 250,000 kr.
Who is eligible for a funeral grant?
Generally, the right exists if the deceased's estate cannot pay the cost of the funeral, as it is assetless.
Low-income spouses can receive a loan or grant for funeral expenses if the deceased's estate cannot pay for the funeral, and the spouse's assets are no other than the dwelling in which they live.
Low-income parents can receive a loan or grant for their child's funeral expenses if the parents cannot pay for the funeral, and their assets are no other than the dwelling in which they live.
How do I apply for a funeral grant?
You can apply for a funeral grant on My Pages if you have a power of attorney on behalf of the deceased's estate. You log in with your electronic ID but enter the information of the deceased in the application.
You can also fill out a PDF application and send it to VELumsokn@reykjavik.is or submit it at your local service center.
What documentation must accompany the application?
To process the application, the following documents must be submitted
- Confirmation from the union as to whether the right to a funeral grant exists
- Statement from the district commissioner on the estate's assetlessness and distribution plan
- Verified tax return
- Power of attorney on behalf of the deceased's estate from the district commissioner
What happens if an application is denied?
If your application is denied, and you believe there are exceptional circumstances, you can request a review by the Welfare Council Appeal Board.
How long is a funeral grant valid?
The funeral grant is valid for three months after it is approved. That means you must submit the funeral bill within three months of the application's approval. The invoice should be submitted to the email address VELumsokn@reykjavik.is.
You can ask the the funeral service to send the invoice directly to the email address.