Help With Funeral Costs in the UK

The cost of a funeral in the UK can be a significant financial burden, particularly at a time when families are already dealing with grief. A typical cremation costs £3,400 — £4,900 and a burial £4,300 — £6,200, with many families paying even more once headstones, flowers, catering, and other extras are added.

If you are on a low income, receiving certain benefits, or struggling to cover the cost of a funeral, there is financial help available. This guide explains the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment, other grants and support schemes, charity assistance, and practical ways to reduce the cost of a funeral in the UK.

The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment

The most significant form of government help with funeral costs is the Funeral Expenses Payment, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is designed to help people on certain benefits pay for a funeral they are responsible for arranging.

Who Qualifies for the Funeral Expenses Payment?

You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you are responsible for arranging a funeral and you or your partner receive one of the following qualifying benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit (in some circumstances)

You do not have to be a relative of the person who has died to claim — but you must be responsible for the funeral arrangements, and it must be reasonable for you to accept responsibility (for example, there is no one else who could reasonably pay).

How Much Is the Funeral Expenses Payment?

The payment is made up of two parts:

1. Necessary costs — These are covered in full, up to set limits:

   • Cremation or burial fees
   • Doctor’s certificates (for cremation)
   • Travel to arrange or attend the funeral

2. Up to £1,000 for other funeral costs — This can include:

   • The funeral director’s fees
   • A coffin
   • Flowers
   • The minister or celebrant’s fee

The £1,000 additional allowance has remained unchanged since 2003, despite funeral costs rising significantly since then. This means the payment rarely covers the full cost of a funeral, but it can make a substantial contribution.

How to Claim the Funeral Expenses Payment

1. Report the death to the DWP through the Tell Us Once service (your registrar will usually help you with this).
2. Complete form SF200 — “Claim a Funeral Expenses Payment.” You can get this form from your local Jobcentre Plus, download it from gov.uk, or call the Bereavement Service on 0800 731 0469.
3. Provide supporting documents — Including the death certificate, funeral director’s invoice, and proof of your benefits.
4. Submit within 6 months — Claims should ideally be made within 6 months of the funeral, though later claims may be considered if you had a good reason for the delay.

The payment is usually made directly to the funeral director, but it can be paid to you if you have already settled the bill. Importantly, the Funeral Expenses Payment is a loan, not a grant — if the person who died left money or property in their estate, the DWP may recover the payment from the estate.

Bereavement Support Payment

If you have lost a spouse or civil partner, you may also be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment. This is separate from the Funeral Expenses Payment and can help with the wider financial impact of losing a partner.

Eligibility

You may qualify for Bereavement Support Payment if:

• Your husband, wife, or civil partner has died
• They paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 1975, or their death was caused by their work
• You were under State Pension age when they died
• You claim within 21 months of the death (but payments are higher if you claim within 3 months)

How Much Is It?

Bereavement Support Payment is paid as an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments:

Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested and is tax-free. You can claim it at the same time as the Funeral Expenses Payment.

Children’s Funeral Fund for England

If you are arranging a funeral for a child or baby under 18 (or a young person under 18), the Children’s Funeral Fund for England covers the cost of:

• Cremation or burial fees
• A coffin or casket (up to a contribution of £300)
• Doctor’s certificates (for cremation)

This fund is available regardless of your income — it is not means-tested. Similar schemes operate in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

• Scotland: The Children’s Funeral Assistance Scheme
• Wales: The Children’s Funeral Fund for Wales
• Northern Ireland: The Children’s Funeral Fund for Northern Ireland

Ask your funeral director to help you access this support — they will usually handle the application on your behalf.

Charity Support for Funeral Costs

Several UK charities offer financial help with funeral costs for people in specific circumstances:

The Turn2us grants database is particularly useful — it allows you to search for charitable funds based on your circumstances, location, and occupation.

Help from Local Authorities

Your local authority may offer help with funeral costs in certain situations:

• Public health funerals — If someone dies and there is no family able or willing to arrange a funeral, the local authority has a duty to arrange a simple, dignified funeral (usually a cremation). They may try to recover costs from the estate.
• Local welfare assistance schemes — Some councils have discretionary funds for residents in crisis, which may help towards funeral costs.
• Council tax disregard — The home of someone who has died is exempt from council tax until probate is granted, and thereafter until the estate is settled.

Contact your local council to ask what support is available in your area.

Practical Ways to Reduce Funeral Costs

If you need to arrange a funeral and are concerned about the cost, here are some practical steps:

1. Shop around — Get itemised quotes from at least three funeral directors. Prices for the same service can vary by hundreds of pounds.
2. Consider direct cremation — The most affordable option (£1,200 — £1,800). You can then hold a personal memorial service at a venue of your choosing, at little or no cost.
3. Ask about a simple coffin — A basic veneered or cardboard coffin is dignified and far cheaper than solid wood.
4. Limit transport — One hearse instead of a hearse plus limousines saves £150 — £300.
5. Check what’s included — Make sure your quote includes all third-party costs (cremation/burial fees, certificates, celebrant fees) so there are no surprises.
6. Hold the wake at home or in a community venue — Pub and hotel catering can be expensive; a simple gathering at a village hall or home is far cheaper.
7. Claim all benefits you’re entitled to — Use the Turn2us or Citizens Advice benefits calculator to check.

Can a Funeral Plan Help?

If you are planning ahead rather than dealing with an immediate bereavement, a prepaid funeral plan can protect you and your family from rising funeral costs. Since 1 July 2022, funeral plans have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and plans from FCA-regulated providers are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) — meaning your money is protected if the provider fails.

A plan lets you fix the funeral director’s services at today’s prices and document your wishes in advance, so your family is not left with a large bill or difficult decisions. You can read more in our funeral plan comparison guide.

Where to Get Free Help and Advice

If you are struggling with funeral costs or want free, impartial advice:

• Age UK — Free advice on funeral costs, benefits, and planning. Call 0800 169 6565 or visit ageuk.org.uk.
• Citizens Advice — Free, confidential advice on benefits and financial support. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
• MoneyHelper — Free, impartial money guidance from the government. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777.
• Cruse Bereavement Support — Free bereavement support and practical advice. Visit cruse.org.uk or call 0808 808 1677.

You do not have to face funeral costs alone. There is real help available, and claiming what you are entitled to can make a significant difference at a difficult time.

Ready to compare? Get free funeral plan quotes

Disclaimer: Funeral plans are regulated by the FCA. Only FCA-regulated providers offer Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection. For free information about funeral costs, contact Age UK (ageuk.org.uk, 0800 169 6565).