Government help with funeral costs
Arranging a funeral can be expensive, and not everyone has the savings or resources to cover the costs. If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get help from the government to pay for a funeral.
The main form of government support is the Funeral Expenses Payment, a means-tested benefit designed to help people who are struggling to afford funeral costs. This guide explains how the payment works, who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply.
What Is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government grant available to people in England, Wales, and Scotland who are receiving certain benefits and are responsible for arranging a funeral.
It’s designed to help cover some of the essential costs of a funeral, such as burial or cremation fees and basic funeral director charges. The payment is usually made as a loan, which means it may need to be repaid from the deceased’s estate if there are sufficient funds available.
The equivalent scheme in Northern Ireland is the Social Fund Funeral Payment, which works in a similar way.
Who Can Apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment?
To qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment, you must meet several criteria.
You Must Be Receiving a Qualifying Benefit
You need to be receiving one of the following benefits to be eligible:
- Universal Credit.
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit.
- Child Tax Credit.
- Working Tax Credit (if it includes a disability element or Child Tax Credit).
If you’re not receiving one of these benefits, you won’t be eligible for the payment, even if you’re on a low income.
You Must Be Responsible for the Funeral
You also need to be the person responsible for arranging and paying for the funeral. This usually means you’re a close relative of the deceased, such as:
- A partner (spouse or civil partner).
- A parent or child.
- A sibling.
- A close friend (in certain circumstances).
If someone else is responsible for the funeral, they should apply for the payment instead.
The Funeral Must Be in the UK
The Funeral Expenses Payment only covers funerals that take place in the UK. If the person died abroad or the funeral is being held overseas, you won’t be eligible.
You Must Meet Certain Relationship Criteria
You need to have a qualifying relationship with the deceased. This includes being:
- Their partner.
- A close relative or friend who is claiming one of the qualifying benefits.
- The parent of a baby who was stillborn or died shortly after birth.
If there’s a closer relative who could reasonably be expected to pay for the funeral, your application may be refused. For example, if the deceased had a spouse or civil partner, they would usually be expected to arrange and pay for the funeral.
What Does the Funeral Expenses Payment Cover?
The Funeral Expenses Payment can help with the following costs:
Burial or Cremation Fees
The payment will cover the full cost of:
- Cremation fees (including the cost of cremation certificates).
- Burial fees (including the cost of a burial plot and grave digging).
These fees are paid in full, regardless of how much they cost. This is the most significant part of the payment for most people.
Other Funeral Costs
You can also claim up to £1,000 towards other funeral costs, such as:
- Funeral director’s fees.
- The coffin.
- Flowers.
- Transport (hearse and other vehicles).
- Order of service booklets.
This £1,000 limit is a maximum, so if your other funeral costs are lower than this, you’ll receive the actual amount spent.
Travel Costs
The payment can also cover reasonable travel costs for you or a close family member to:
- Arrange the funeral.
- Attend the funeral.
This is particularly helpful if you live far from where the funeral is taking place.
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What the Payment Doesn’t Cover
The Funeral Expenses Payment doesn’t cover everything. It won’t usually pay for:
- The wake or reception.
- Memorial stones or headstones.
- Flowers beyond basic arrangements.
- Additional funeral costs above the £1,000 limit.
If you want to include these extras, you’ll need to cover the costs yourself or find other sources of support.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on the costs of the funeral and your circumstances.
The payment is made up of:
- The full cost of burial or cremation fees.
- Up to £1,000 for other funeral costs.
- Reasonable travel expenses.
Any money the deceased had in their estate may be deducted from the payment. For example, if the deceased had £500 in their bank account, this amount may be taken off the total you receive.
The payment is also reduced if there are other sources of funding available, such as a life insurance payout or a pre-paid funeral plan.
Is the Payment a Loan or a Grant?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is technically a loan, not a grant. This means it may need to be repaid from the deceased’s estate if there are sufficient funds available after the funeral.
If the estate has no money or assets, you won’t be expected to repay the loan. However, if the estate includes savings, property, or other valuable assets, the government will claim back the payment before any inheritance is distributed.
In practice, many people don’t have to repay the money, as estates often don’t have enough funds to cover all debts and expenses.
How to Apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment
You can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment online, by post, or by phone.
Applying Online
The quickest way to apply is through the GOV.UK website. You’ll need to create an account or sign in to your existing Universal Credit account.
You can start your application at the GOV.uk website.
Applying by Post
You can also download and print the application form (form SF200) from the GOV.UK website and send it by post. The address is on the form.
Applying by Phone
If you need help with your application, you can call the Bereavement Service helpline. The number is available on the GOV.UK website.
When to Apply
You should apply for the Funeral Expenses Payment as soon as possible after the funeral. You must apply within six months of the date of the funeral, or your claim may be rejected.
It’s a good idea to apply before the funeral takes place if you can, as this gives you an idea of how much support you’ll receive. However, you can also apply after the funeral has already happened.
What Documents Do You Need?
When you apply, you’ll need to provide:
- The death certificate.
- Invoices or estimates from the funeral director.
- Proof of any other funeral costs.
- Details of the deceased’s savings, property, or other assets (if applicable).
- Evidence of your relationship to the deceased (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate).
Make sure you keep copies of all documents you submit, as you may need them for other purposes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aims to process Funeral Expenses Payment claims as quickly as possible, but it can take several weeks to receive a decision.
If your application is approved, the money will be paid directly into your bank account. If it’s refused, you’ll receive a letter explaining why and what you can do if you disagree with the decision.
What If Your Application Is Refused?
If your application for a Funeral Expenses Payment is refused, you have the right to ask for the decision to be reconsidered. This is known as a “mandatory reconsideration.”
You must request this within one month of receiving the decision letter. If you’re still not satisfied after the mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
Other Sources of Help
If you don’t qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment or if it doesn’t cover the full cost of the funeral, there are other sources of support you might be able to access.
Charities and Grants
Some charities offer grants or loans to help with funeral costs. These are often available to people who worked in certain professions or who belong to particular communities.
Affordable Funeral Options
Choosing a simpler, more affordable type of funeral can significantly reduce costs. Direct cremation, for example, typically costs between £1,000 and £2,000, compared to the average funeral cost of £4,000 to £5,000.
To learn more, visit our article that explains what direct cremation is, and our guide on how much funerals cost.
Funeral Finance
If you’re unable to pay for the funeral upfront, some funeral directors offer payment plans.
For more information, visit our guide that explains how funeral finance works.
Final Thoughts
The Funeral Expenses Payment is an important lifeline for people who are struggling to afford a funeral. Whilst it doesn’t cover all costs, it can make a significant difference and help ensure your loved one receives a dignified send-off.
If you think you might be eligible, don’t hesitate to apply. The process is straightforward, and the support is there to help you through a difficult time.
For more guidance on who pays for a funeral and what other support is available, visit our guide on who pays for a funeral.