Our Funeral Financial Information
We work with you
to meet your budget.
The cost of a funeral is dependent on many of the choices your make and can be adjusted to meet your budget. If you have financial concerns, please let us know at the earliest opportunity and we will work with you to meet your needs within your budget.
What is Fountains Professional Services Fee?
Professional fees are a fixed charge for engaging with us. We provide our client families with service of the highest quality, which is accessible 24/7.
Our focus is to ensure all aspects of the funeral experience meet or exceed expectations. The professional fees reflect our overall service delivery, access to facilities, industry knowledge and the expertise that we provide when liaising with various legal bodies when registering the death. The fee covers and makes available to the family all of our resources, professional guidance, after care bereavement service, our time and availability whenever needed.
Terms of payment
We require an initial payment of approximately 50% of the total cost. We then ask that the account is settled within 21 working days.
Repatriations and relocations
We require full payment at the time of transfer.
How can I pay if the estate is still tied up?
When a death occurs, bank accounts in the name of the deceased are often frozen and in some cases cannot be used until after probate is granted. To ensure ongoing access by a partner, it is better for bank accounts to be in joint names.
When settlement of an estate is delayed by probate, families should pay the funeral account by the due date and recover the funds from the estate when it is settled. Most funeral homes send the account directly to the family and a copy to the solicitor.
Financial Aid
ACC Funeral Grant
When a death is established as accidental the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may pay compensation and/or contribute to funeral costs. You can apply by going to www.acc.co.nz.
WINZ Funeral Grant
If there are financial difficulties, you may be eligible for a WINZ grant of up to $2058.52. This is means and asset tested and you can apply by going to www.workandincome.govt.nz or ask us for further information.
Veterans Affairs
Veterans may be eligible for a payment towards funerals.
Go to www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/a-z/funeral-expenses/ or phone 0800 483 8372