An Eight-Step Guide to Arrangements After a Death
From death registration, Cremation Permit to receiving ashes, it is explained step by step, with government fees and form numbers included.
Hung Hom · Complete Funeral Services · FEHD-Licensed Undertaker
A simple, comprehensive funeral plan, coordinated with the SWD burial grant (up to HK$17,870 in 2026), for a modest and dignified farewell.
The death of a loved one is hard enough in itself, but it becomes even more embarrassing when you have to worry about money. But please remember one thing: Hong Kong has a system to support you - When a CSSA recipient dies, relatives and friends responsible for burial matters can apply to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) burial grant , The maximum amount in 2026 is HK$17,870 .
This page will explain three things clearly: How much is the subsidy, how to apply, what documents are required , and what our special funeral services include. All information involving government procedures is compiled in accordance with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) CSSA guidelines and FEHD public information.
Tim Fat Funeral is FEHD licensed undertaker , shop address G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . Inquiry: 62384028 Mr Wu , answered 24 hours a day. The consultation is free and you will not be forced to make an on-the-spot decision.
A dedicated member of staff supports you throughout, with services from HK$8,800.
Query: 62384028 Mr Wu

In addition to the above four basic documents, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) generally requires the submission of the following documents. It is recommended to prepare everything at once to avoid back-and-forth resubmissions.
A practical reminder: several organisations may request certified copies of the death certificate at the same time, including the SWD, banks, insurers, MPF schemes, probate authorities and the department handling identity card cancellation. Registration itself is free. Certified copies cost $140 each for local applications or $275 for overseas applications. Apply for several copies at the outset to avoid repeated visits later.
According to the guidelines of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA): If the recipient unfortunately passes away, the relatives and friends who are responsible for the funeral arrangements can apply to this department for a burial grant if necessary.
| Project | content |
|---|---|
| Maximum amount | HKD 17,870 (2026) |
| Properties | Actual reimbursement (not a fixed amount, vouchers must be provided) |
| Applicant | Relatives and Friends Responsible for Funeral Arrangements of CSSA Recipients |
| Application deadline | Within six months of the recipient’s death |
| Application location | Social Security Field Unit handling their CSSA cases |
| People with limited mobility | You can submit it by phone or by mail , and the staff will arrange home visit for processing |
| People living in Guangdong and Fujian | Applications can be assisted by SWD’s agency |
| Distribution method | Normally paid by bank transfer into the applicant’s nominated account |
| Inquiry hotline | SWD 24-hour hotline 2343 2255 |
Note: All application procedures must be completed in Hong Kong . In addition, $17,870 is the upper limit , and it is not "that much" - if the actual expenditure is lower than the upper limit, only the actual amount will be paid.
Contact the deceased’s case social worker or the Social Security Field Unit that handles his or her CSSA case, explain that the recipient has passed away, and inquire about the burial grant application arrangements. Early contact will help you get the list of required documents and avoid having to submit them later.
Entrust FEHD licensed undertaker to handle death registration, cremation or burial permission and other documents, and request a written quotation listing the contents of each service. The quotation is listed item by item to facilitate future verification and reimbursement. (According to Chapter 132CB of the Undertaker Regulations, undertakings related to the cremation or burial of human bodies of the deceased must be licensed.)
If the budget is tight, you can consider a simpler hospital-based funeral or hospital farewell ceremony ; if you want to add a larger-scale religious ceremony or other items, you should confirm the out-of-pocket difference first to avoid discovering it after exceeding the subsidy limit.
After completing the funeral and paying the fees, ask for the official receipt from the funeral company and keep the original . The receipt should clearly state the applicant’s name and the purpose of the payment to facilitate SWD verification.
Apply and submit the required documents within six months of the recipient’s death. Take the documents to the Social Security Field Unit handling the deceased’s CSSA case. Applicants with mobility difficulties may apply by telephone or post; SWD staff will arrange a home visit. Applicants living in Guangdong or Fujian may receive help from an SWD-appointed agent organisation. Once approved, the grant is normally paid into the nominated bank account by bank transfer.
Timing advice: Plan the funeral around the allocated cremation session. FEHD’s performance pledge is to make unallocated sessions available within 15 days from the day after the cremation application is submitted. Prepare the grant documents while arranging the funeral, rather than waiting until everything is finished. Six months may seem a long time, but it passes quickly. See our eight-step guide on the homepage for the complete process.
Many family members mistakenly believe that the subsidy is a "one-time payment of $17,870." Nope. CSSA burial grant belongs to and will be reimbursed Properties:
Tim Fat Funeral provides a truly one-stop funeral service, One list, one price, full set of services, no miscellaneous expenses will be charged , and official receipts will be provided, itemized item by item, to facilitate family members to reimburse SWD. Please refer to Service Scope for details on the charging structure.
The answer is: Look at your choice of form . The following is the reference range of market public information, and the actual written quotation shall prevail.
| Plan | form | market reference price | Relationship with allowance ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| hospital farewell ceremony | The most streamlined farewell room in the hospital, direct delivery to the crematorium | About Starting from HK$11,888 | Generally, it can be completed within the allowance limit |
| hospital-based funeral | After a simple farewell ceremony in the hospital's farewell room, it will be sent directly to the crematorium or cemetery. | Approximately HK$11,888 – Starting from 16,800 | Generally, it can be completed within the allowance limit |
| Simple funeral parlour setting up the mourning hall | Rent a small bedroom (room entrance) on the same day or the next day the funeral procession | Depends on the rental of the auditorium (Consumer Council: about $6,500–24,500 for an auditorium with 50–80 people) | You may need to pay part of the difference |
| traditional funeral parlour funeral | The auditorium setting up the mourning hall the vigil, complete ritual | Common HK$30,000 – 80,000 | Must pay most of the difference |
Tim Fat Funeral's special funeral services start from HK$8,800 , and we will arrange a suitable plan according to the family's budget. If you wish to add a larger-scale religious ceremony, rent a larger auditorium or add additional items, we will explain in advance how much price difference you need to pay and we will not calculate it after the completion. For details on the differences between hospital-based funeral, hospital farewell ceremony and funeral parlour setting up the mourning hall, please see funeral parlour full guide .
It is worth noting: Among the seven licensed funeral parlours in Hong Kong, Global Funeral Parlour (6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals) has an agreement with the government. The charge for each basic funeral service shall not exceed the burial grant amount issued by the CSSA scheme at that time. . According to FEHD information, Kowloon Funeral Parlour, International Funeral Parlour and Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour also provide similar services. For details, please contact the relevant funeral parlour.
CSSA status will not exempt from statutory government fees, but these expenses can be included in the reimbursement . The following are the current charges:
| Project | Charges (HKD) |
|---|---|
| death registration | Free |
| certified copy of death certificate | $140 (local) / $275 (overseas) |
| Adult cremation | $1,220 |
| Cremation of a child | $650 |
| Cremation of exhumed remains | $90 |
| Adult burial | $3,190 |
| Burial of a child | $2,605 |
| Standard columbarium niche | $2,400 (first 20 years) + monument $90 |
| ashes temporary storage (after the first two months, every month) | $80 |
| Scattering ashes in the memorial garden/scattering ashes at sea | Free |
Want to save another step? In terms of ashes placement, Green funeral ashes scattering system is free of charge - Memorial garden ashes scattering and filling FEHB 219 (at least 14 days before), sea ashes scattering and filling FEHB 198 (At least 10 days before), the government also provides free ferry , and there will be a etiquette on board to assist in holding a simple memorial ceremony. If you still want to have a fixed place of worship, a standard public columbarium niche only costs $2,400 for the first 20 years. For a comparison of the two, see columbarium niche/graveyard guide and niche application for teaching .
Not being a CSSA recipient does not mean there is no support. The following paths are worth knowing:
If the breadwinner of the family dies unexpectedly or suddenly, causing difficulties in family life, you can seek assistance from Social Welfare Department (SWD) . SWD 24-hour hotline: 2343 2255 .
People in need can seek assistance from the Charitable Trust Fund managed by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) or the Emergency Relief Fund (FEHD has also provided this guidance for funeral services).
Under the SWD Violent and Law Enforcement Injury Compensation Program payment rate, burial benefits are $17,870 per person . Important: If the burial expenses are paid in whole or in part by the government (such as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) program) or charitable funds, the amount will be deducted first when the subsidy is paid - that is, and the same expense cannot be received repeatedly .
Family members may apply to withdraw funds from the deceased’s personal bank account to cover funeral expenses or living expenses for people whom the deceased supported during their lifetime. Contact the Home Affairs Department’s Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit on 2835 1535 for details.
The government has an agreement with Global Funeral Parlour (6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals) The charge for each basic funeral service shall not exceed the burial grant amount issued by the CSSA scheme at that time. Basic services generally include transporting the body of the deceased from the hospital or mortuary to the designated funeral parlour, purchasing the coffin, holding the ceremony in the parlor, transporting it to the final disposal location and cremation fees, etc.
St. James' Settlement Life and Death Information Network (2831 3230), Caritas Hong Kong Hospice Service (2117 0707), Hospice Society (2331 7000), Hospice Society (2361 6606), Anglican Church Guardian Angel (2362 0268), Hong Kong Association of Community Organizations (2713 9165), Rongguang Society Sunset Friends (2763 9944). In addition to financial pressure, you also need someone to accompany you emotionally.
Such cases are usually referred by relevant government departments or social service agencies. We can undertake and provide simple and solemn arrangements to ensure that the procedures are legal and complete, including documents, body of the deceased, cremation and ashes. Welcome to call 82099774 to discuss.
We want to make one thing clear: A low budget does not mean that the requirements can be low. In the CSSA plan, each of the following items is completed according to the specifications:
Whether you are dignified or not has never been about how much money you spent. We have seen many funerals that use the simplest plan, but the whole family stays together until the end - that kind of care is more important than any big auditorium. The whole process will be followed closely by 's dedicated personnel , you only need to stay with the deceased.
Related arrangements
From death registration, Cremation Permit to receiving ashes, it is explained step by step, with government fees and form numbers included.
Comparison of seven licensed funeral parlours, as well as applicable conditions and procedures for hospital-based funerals and farewell ceremonies.
Monthly allocation, online application can be automatically approved in one day, and the standard niche is only $2,400 for the first 20 years.
The memorial garden and the scattering of ashes at sea are free of charge, and the government provides free ferries and the assistance of etiquette masters.
Taoist ritual masters arrange rituals that can be scaled according to budget.
A total of 82 questions and answers on posthumous procedures, customs and taboos, fees and allowances.
According to the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) guidelines issued in April 2026 , the maximum burial grant is HK$17,870 . This is the upper limit and is not a fixed amount. It is reimbursed in nature. The actual amount received depends on the submitted expense voucher.
If a CSSA recipient unfortunately passes away, relatives and friends who are responsible for the funeral arrangements can apply for a burial grant from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) if necessary. The applicant is usually ’s family member or relative who is responsible for handling and paying for the funeral expenses , and does not necessarily have to be the estate administrator.
The application and required documents must be submitted within six months of the recipient’s death. Late applications are generally not accepted, so prepare the documents while arranging the funeral rather than waiting until everything else is finished.
Bring the relevant documents to the Social Security Field Unit handling the deceased’s CSSA case. Applicants with mobility difficulties may apply by telephone or post, and staff will arrange a home visit to complete the procedures. All application procedures must be completed in Hong Kong. SWD’s 24-hour hotline is 2343 2255.
Yes. If the applicant lives in Guangdong or Fujian Province , his application can be assisted by the agency of the Social Welfare Department (SWD). However, all application procedures must be completed in Hong Kong. It is recommended to call the SWD or the deceased's case social worker to inquire about the specific arrangements.
Four basic documents: 1. The deceased death certificate and ID card 2. The official receipt from the funeral company 3. A copy of the recipient’s ID card 4. A copy of the recipient’s bank account book . In addition, SWD will also require submission of documents such as burial or cremation order , and burial expense receipts or expense budget .
The subsidy is not a one-time fixed amount , but is reimbursed based on actual paid funeral expenses with vouchers , with an upper limit of $17,870 . Vouchers are required for each declared expense . If the actual expenditure is lower than the upper limit, will only be paid according to the actual amount ; if it is higher than the upper limit, you will have to bear the excess.
The official receipt should be obtained from the funeral company and the original should be retained. The receipt should clearly state the name of the applicant and the purpose of the payment , and list the service content item by item to facilitate SWD verification. Tim Fat Funeral will itemize all items and charges in the form of and a list , and provide official receipts.
After SWD approves the application, the grant is normally paid by bank transfer into the applicant’s nominated account. A copy of the recipient’s bank passbook must therefore accompany the application.
It depends on the arrangements. Simple direct funerals from hospital or hospital farewell ceremonies start at around HK$11,888–16,800, and can generally be covered by the grant. A traditional funeral with a wake and hall hire at a funeral parlour commonly costs HK$30,000–80,000, so the family will need to pay the difference. Tim Fat Funeral offers concessionary funeral services from HK$8,800, with a package tailored to the family’s budget.
Statutory government fees still have to be paid, but may be included in the actual expenses claimed. FEHD currently charges HK$1,220 for adult cremation and HK$650 for a child. Death registration is free, but a local certified copy of the death entry costs HK$140. These are fixed government charges and are not waived because the deceased received CSSA.
Generally, it can cover the necessary expenses for handling posthumous affairs, including death certificate, coffin, burial clothing, body of the deceased transportation and make-up, hearse, rental of auditorium or hospital-based funeral arrangements, religious ceremonies, and cremation expenses etc. The actual declarable items and whether they are approved are subject to the approval of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) . It is recommended to confirm with the case social worker or the Social Security Field Unit in advance.
The placement of ashes is an arrangement after the funeral. Whether it can be counted must be confirmed with the Social Security Field Unit . In practice, it is recommended to deal with the reimbursement of burial expenses first; in terms of niche, you can consider the FEHD public columbarium niche ( standard niche is $2,400 for the first 20 years , and an additional monument allows $90), or choose free green funeral ashes to reduce the burden.
A simple, comprehensive funeral plan covering 12 items: assistance with the death certificate and cremation booking, hearse, funeral workers, make-up, burial clothing, Taoist ritual masters or ceremony arrangements, coffin, incense and offerings for Taoist rites or other ceremonial supplies, funeral return gifts or condolence token packets, a coach for relatives and friends, and temporary storage of ashes. A dedicated member of staff supports you throughout, from HK$8,800. Enquiries: 62384028, Mr Wu.
No. Simplicity does not mean sloppiness. The coffin must also comply with the FEHD Cremation Coffin Code (avoid being larger than 710 mm in height / 760 mm in width / 1,980 mm in length, and the surface must not be inlaid with metal or PVC accessories. The name of the deceased must be listed on the coffin ). The burial clothing, makeup, mourning hall decoration and ceremony are all carried out according to the specifications, but there is no large auditorium or luxury items. Whether it is dignified or not does not depend on how much it costs.
There is still support. Assistance can be sought from Social Welfare Department (SWD) ; those in need can also seek help from Charitable Trust Fund or Emergency Relief Fund managed by SWD. In addition, Global Funeral Parlour ’s basic funeral service charge shall not exceed the CSSA burial grant amount ; according to FEHD information, Kowloon Funeral Parlour, International Funeral Parlour and Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour also provide similar services.
Yes. Under the SWD Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme payment rate, burial benefits are $17,870 per person . Please note: If the burial expenses are paid in whole or in part by the government (such as the CSSA plan) or charity funds, the amount will be deducted when the subsidy is distributed - that is, and the same expenditure cannot be received repeatedly .
A specific procedure is available. Family members may apply to withdraw funds from the deceased’s personal bank account to meet funeral expenses or living expenses for people whom the deceased supported during their lifetime. Contact the Home Affairs Department’s Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit (2835 1535) for details.
These cases are usually referred by the relevant government department or social service organisation. We can provide simple, dignified arrangements while ensuring all legal procedures are completed, including documentation, care of the body, cremation and placement of ashes. People in need may also seek help from charitable trust funds or emergency relief funds administered by SWD.
Yes. The special funeral services already include Taoist ritual masters (Taoist) or arranged rituals , and incense offerings (Taoist) or ritual supplies . If you wish to add a larger-scale memorial ceremony, Christian sabbath ceremony, Catholic memorial mass or non-religious farewell ceremony , you can discuss with us first and confirm whether you need to pay the price difference.
Special offer funeral services includes temporary storage of ashes arrangements. FEHD has ashes temporary storage service: Kwai Chung Crematorium only accepts ashes bags, Wo Hop Shek Crematorium only accepts ashes urns , the storage period is three, six or twelve months, renewable upon expiration, $80 per month after the first two months , application form FEHB 251 . Let the family members complete the funeral ceremony first and then slowly decide on the final burial method.
The funeral timetable depends on the allocated cremation session. FEHD’s performance pledge is to make unallocated sessions available within 15 days from the day after the cremation application is submitted. SWD assesses grant applications after receiving the documents; families should submit everything within six months of the recipient’s death. We recommend preparing the documents while arranging the funeral.
Query: 62384028 Mr Wu. Telephone (24 hours) 82099774 , WhatsApp 62384028, email timfatfuneral@gmail.com , fax 3599 9637. Address: G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . Tim Fat Funeral is FEHD licensed undertaker , consultation is free and will not rush the family to make an on-the-spot decision .
If you are currently facing this situation, the most practical step is to: call the deceased’s caseworker or the Social Security Field Unit and call us at the same time. If you start both sides at the same time, there will be no delay.
Simply tell us whether the deceased was receiving CSSA, where they died, which documents you have already obtained, and how much the family can afford. We can then explain approximately how much the grant can cover, which documents you need to submit, the submission deadline, and how we can help.
Tim Fat Funeral is FEHD licensed undertaker . The store address is G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . It is within walking distance of the three funeral parlours of the Universal, International and Global Funeral Parlours. Serving Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, Ho Man Tin, Whampoa, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, and Wong Tai Sin areas, and also undertakes all districts in Hong Kong. Mr Wu answers 24 hours a day.
Contact method: Inquiry 62384028 Mr Wu Telephone (24 hours) 82099774 WhatsApp 62384028 · Email timfatfuneral@gmail.com · Fax 3599 9637 · Address: G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. For transportation details, please see and contact us .
The subsidy information on this page is compiled from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) "Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Guidelines" (April 2026 Edition) and the Violence and Law Enforcement Injury Compensation Scheme payment rates; government charges are quoted from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) "Cemetery and Crematorium Service Charge Schedule" and the Immigration Department; funeral parlour basic funeral service arrangements are quoted from FEHD licensed funeral parlour Information; market prices refer to the 2026 industry public information and the Consumer Council Funeral Services Survey. The amount of the subsidy will be adjusted annually. The actual declarable items and the approval results are subject to the decision of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) . Please refer to the latest official announcement, or call SWD 2343 2255 or our company for free inquiry. This page was last edited: September 2026.