Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also worried about how you’ll pay for it. According to the latest Pure Cremation Cost of Funerals research, the average cost of a traditional funeral is now £4,562. Once optional extras like flowers, catering or venue hire are added, the final cost can quickly rise beyond what many families expect or feel prepared for.
If you’re finding the financial side difficult, you’re not alone. There are several forms of funeral cost assistance available in the UK, including government support, help from charities, and practical ways to access money that may already be available. This guide explains the main options, so you can understand what help might be available to you and take the next step with confidence.
The Funeral Expenses Payment
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government grant designed to help people on a low income pay for a funeral.
What is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s available to people who receive certain benefits and are responsible for arranging a funeral. While it won’t usually cover the full cost, it can make a meaningful contribution towards essential expenses.
If you receive a payment, you’ll normally need to repay it from the deceased person’s estate, if there is money available later. This could include savings or other assets.
In England and Wales, a full award can cover a significant proportion of a simple funeral, though most families still need to find additional funds unless they’ve chosen a very basic service.
What can the Funeral Expenses Payment be used for?
The payment can help cover:
- Death certificates and other necessary documents
- Cremation fees, including the doctor’s certificate where applicable
- Burial fees for a specific plot
- Travel costs for arranging or attending the funeral
- Additional costs if the deceased needs to be moved more than 50 miles
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Up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as the coffin or funeral director’s fees
The amount you receive depends on your circumstances and on whether there is other money available, such as funds from the estate, insurance, or a prepaid funeral plan.
Who is eligible?
To apply, you must be a close relative, partner, or parent of the person who has died, and you must receive one or more qualifying benefits. These include:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- The disability element of Working Tax Credit
You may also qualify if you receive a Support for Mortgage Interest loan, or if you’ve applied for one of these benefits and are waiting for a decision.
How long does it take?
Claims are handled by the DWP Bereavement team. While they aim to process applications as quickly as possible, decisions can take several weeks.
You can apply by phone through the Bereavement Service helpline or by completing form SF200 and sending it by post. Claims must be made within six months of the funeral, although you can apply before the funeral if you have a signed contract or final invoice.
If you receive Universal Credit, a decision won’t usually be made until after your next payment.
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP)
Bereavement Support Payment is separate from help with funeral costs, but it can provide vital financial support following the death of a partner.
What is Bereavement Support Payment?
BSP is a government benefit for people who have lost a husband, wife, or civil partner. It’s designed to help with the change in household income after a death and is paid either at a standard or higher rate, depending on whether you have children.
Who can claim?
To be eligible, you must be below State Pension age, and your partner must have paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks. This requirement may not apply if they died as a result of an industrial injury.
Is BSP taxable?
Bereavement Support Payment is not taxable and doesn’t count towards the benefit cap. However, after 12 months, the income may be considered when calculating entitlement to other means-tested benefits.
Budgeting Loans
In some circumstances, the government can also help through a Budgeting Loan.
A Budgeting Loan is an interest-free loan that can be used to cover essential costs, including funeral expenses. You may be eligible if you’ve been receiving certain benefits for at least six months. Repayments are taken directly from your benefits over time.
Paying funeral costs from the estate
Funeral expenses can usually be paid from the deceased person’s estate. However, probate can take many months, and funeral providers generally can’t wait for funds to be released.
Some people set aside money specifically for funeral costs to ease the burden on their family. If this is the case, those funds can often be used immediately.
Accessing money from a bank account
Banks may release money from the deceased’s account to pay a funeral invoice before probate is complete. You’ll usually need to provide the death certificate and the funeral provider’s invoice when notifying the bank of the death.
This can help avoid financial strain, as accounts are often frozen once the death is registered, and releasing funds later can take time. If you’ve paid the invoice yourself and need to reclaim the cost, you’ll need proof of payment and identification.
Occupational pensions and death-in-service benefits
Some employers offer occupational pension schemes or death-in-service benefits that include a lump sum payment. This money can often be used to help cover funeral costs. It’s worth contacting the employer or pension provider to check what support may be available.
What happens if there’s no money for a funeral?
If there’s no money in the estate and no one is able to arrange or pay for the funeral, the local council or hospital becomes responsible. They will arrange a Public Health Funeral, which is usually a simple cremation.
These services are typically short and don’t include extras such as flowers, cars, or newspaper notices. You can usually attend, but the local authority decides the time and date. Policies around releasing ashes vary, though some councils are becoming more flexible.
Charities that may help with costs
Several organisations offer financial, practical, or emotional support after a death. Depending on your circumstances, you may find help from:
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, offering specialist support for those affected by suicide
- Child Funeral Charity, which helps families who have lost a child aged 16 or under (referral required)
- British Gas Energy Trust, which can help with household bills during financial hardship
- Civil Legal Advice, which provides free legal support in some situations
Planning ahead to protect your family
Many people choose to plan ahead to protect their loved ones from the emotional and financial pressure of arranging a funeral. This is often done through a prepaid funeral plan or a whole-of-life insurance policy.
If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included, any limits on cover, and how the plan is regulated. A funeral plan should be allocated to a provider within 30 days, and many plans allow you to pay either in full or in instalments.
Planning ahead can bring peace of mind, knowing your wishes are recorded, and your family won’t be left facing difficult decisions or unexpected costs.
If you’d like clear, honest information about whether a funeral plan is right for you, Pure Cremation is here to help. You can call our friendly team for free on 0800 470 23 93.
