Unveiling the Hidden Expenses: The Cost of Funeral Services in Singapore Revealed

In life, we eagerly celebrate milestones such as births and marriages, investing time and money to commemorate these joyful events. Yet, when it comes to discussing our inevitable departure from this world, we tend to shy away from the topic. The cost of a funeral service is often overlooked, leaving families burdened with unexpected financial obligations during an already emotionally challenging time. In this blog post, I will shed light on the expensive nature of funeral services in Singapore, aiming to spark conversations that will help individuals and families prepare for this inevitable aspect of life.

How Much Does A Typical Funeral Cost In Singapore?

1. CCOD and Death Registry - range between $0 and $200-$250 The CCOD is a crucial document that certifies the cause of death. While its cost varies depending on the issuer and any additional services required. Tip: If the death has occurred abroad, you will have to add another $5,000-$10,000 for transport fees .

2. Transport - inclusive in package Transportation costs may be included in most funeral packages in Singapore or provided at no additional charge. However, if separate transportation arrangements are needed, the expenses can vary.

3. Autopsy Report - approximately $160.50 In certain cases, an autopsy report may be required to determine the cause of death accurately.

4. Private Autopsy - approximately $5,863.60 If a private autopsy is requested, the cost can significantly escalate.

5. Daily Storage Cost - approximately $165.85 When families need to store the deceased's body before the funeral service, daily storage fees come into play.

6. Obituary - begins at $1,348.20 Deciding whether to announce the death in local newspapers is an important choice for informing friends and relatives about the details, venue, and timing of the wake and funeral. However it is entirely optional and dependent on your preference.

7. Wake And Casket - range between $1,100 to $8,000 Funeral costs depend on no. of days the funeral ceremony is taking place. It can be from two days to a week. The higher the no. of days higher the cost. The major types of casket may be a metal casket, wooden casket, and paper casket.

8. Embalming, Hearse Rental, Manpower and flowers - usually inclusive in package Most funeral services should have all the above in their package. Depending on the selection of flowers, it can range from roses: $84 to carnations: $110. The final price depends on how many decorations you would like.

9. Food - from $15- $50 for each guest When it comes to food catering several factors come into play. The decision largely depends on the location of the event, the type of meal being served and the number of guests in attendance. Considering these variables will help determine the appropriate arrangements for catering.

10. Type Of Funeral - range between $70 to $400 Once the funeral ceremony concludes, a crucial decision arises regarding the final disposition of your loved one's remains. The options available include land burial, sea burial, or cremation. However, due to Singapore's limited land resources spanning 30-50KM, burial sites are scarce. The sole cemetery for land burial is 'Choa Chu Kang,' but the internment period is restricted to 15 years, after which the remains must be either cremated or reburied. Consequently, most people opt for cremation, which is permitted in all religions and widely preferred in Singapore. Cremation can take place at government-run Mandai Crematorium or privately owned establishments such as Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and Tse Toh Aum Temple. Government cremation at Mandai typically costs around $100, while private establishments charge $350 to $500. Following cremation, the ashes are collected and placed in an urn, which can range in price from $70 to $400.
    

Depending on your top-ups and the length of your wake, a Buddhist funeral in Singapore costs between $5,500 and $8,000.

The expenses associated with funeral services in Singapore can quickly add up, creating an additional burden for grieving families during an already difficult time. While death is an uncomfortable topic, it is essential to confront the reality and have open discussions about funeral costs. By addressing this issue, we can ensure that appropriate financial preparations are made, reducing the financial strain on loved ones left behind.

Let us break the silence surrounding the cost of funeral services in Singapore. Initiating conversations and encouraging financial preparedness can help individuals and families navigate this difficult time with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones will be laid to rest respectfully, without undue financial hardship.

Can I Use CPF To Pay For Funeral? When a person passes away, the funds in their CPF (Central Provident Fund) account are allocated to the nominated heirs. In the absence of any nominees, the Public Trustee's Office (PTO) follows the intestacy laws to distribute the funds. Regardless, you can utilize these funds to cover the expenses of your loved one's funeral. However, it is necessary to submit a formal application to the PTO for this purpose. The maximum amount allowed for funeral expenses from the CPF funds is $6,000.