Funeral costs: who pays and how to fund them
A funeral costs on average €3,000–€6,000 in France, more in Belgium and Luxembourg. Here is who must pay, how to unlock part of the account and which benefits to claim.
Legal duty to pay
In France, art. 806 of the Civil Code obliges heirs to pay, up to the value of the estate. If the estate is empty, maintenance-liable relatives (children, parents) can be asked. Belgium and Switzerland apply similar principles.
€5,000 from the frozen account
Even when accounts are frozen, banks in France and Belgium pay funeral costs directly against invoice, up to €5,000. Swiss banks generally advance the funds.
Benefits and insurances
The French CPAM pays a capital décès to eligible relatives (€3,738 in 2024). Municipalities can help in cases of hardship. Life insurance policies with a funeral clause pay within 48 hours. The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) lists every available benefit.
Prepaid funeral contract
About 20 % of people have a prepaid funeral contract. Search the paperwork and contact the insurer; payment is fast, often before burial.
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays if nobody wants to?
- Heirs first (up to estate value), then maintenance-liable relatives, finally the municipality.
- Can I use a frozen account?
- Yes, up to €5,000 against invoice.
- Public support?
- Yes: CPAM death benefit, municipal aid, social services.
- How to find a prepaid contract?
- Papers, bank, AGIRA registry in France.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) guides you step by step: checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.