When a loved one dies, the last thing that the grieving family should have to do is worry about the cost of the funeral, but this is exactly the situation people have been put in since it was announced that the Bereavement Grant of €850 was scrapped in this year’s Budget.

In light of this, Mitchelstown Credit Union are reminding members about the payment of €1,300 that they provide upon the death of qualifying members.

Speaking to The Avondhu, Cathy Tobin said that the Bereavement Grant, while it was only €850, made a huge difference to people.

“People used to rely on it. A lot of people depend on a payment like that and they are not aware of what we offer to members, as funerals can be very costly,” she said.

Mary O’Farrell added that the payment will be made once a member dies, provided the account is opened before the member turns 70, that they remain a member and there is a minimum amount of €6.35 in the account at the time of their passing.

To redeem the grant, a death certificate and a bill from the funeral expenses must be provided.

However, she pointed out that in the case of a joint account, only the first named is eligible for the death grant cover, so she urged couples to open separate accounts as well as their joint one and lodge even a small amount of money every so often, so that they will both be covered.

Mary added that this grant doesn’t cost the members anything and it is just one of the many benefits of being a member of Mitchelstown Credit Union.

Loans and savings are also covered, in most cases loan balances are cleared of up to €8,000 and savings will also be protected in proportion to the member’s age and how long they have been saving.

It it these little things, which people don’t think about until if affects them unfortunately, which will somewhat relieve the financial burden at such a difficult time.

When someone close to you passes away, the last thing you want to think about is repaying a loan which they may have taken out years ago, for something which is now long gone. This way, that burden is lifted and it is one less thing hanging over a family.

Contact Mitchelstown Credit Union on 025-24800 to find out more about the death grant and the terms and conditions that apply. See the Mitchelstown Credit Union advert in the Mitchelstown football feature for some of the credit union’s current offers and more information.