Assistance with Funeral Costs

Government Funeral Expenses Payments

Funeral Expenses Payments are available from the Government to help people pay for a funeral they are arranging. Eligibility is dependent on three criteria being met:

Your relationship with the deceased meets the required rules.
The funeral is being arranged in the UK, Switzerland, or EEA (European Economic Area).
You are in receipt of certain tax credits or benefits.

You or your partner must be in receipt of one or more of the following Benefits or tax credits:

Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Income Support
The severe disability or disability element of Working Tax Credit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

If you receive a Funeral Expense Payment you will possibly be required to pay the government back from any money from your loved one’s estate or savings.

Bereavement Support Payment

Depending on your age and relationship with your loved one you may be entitled to a bereavement support payment.

For more detailed information on Funeral Expense Payments and Bereavement Support Payments including how to claim please contact us and we will be able to fully assist you.

Other Help and Ways to Pay for a Funeral

Other help to pay for a funeral may also be available if you do not meet the above criteria include the following:

Sometimes the deceased has already paid for their funeral, perhaps through a prepaid funeral plan.

In other cases, they may have left some money in their estate to cover their funeral expenses. In either of these cases the executor of the estate will organise payment of the funeral bill.

If a friend or relative pays for the funeral they may be able to claim the cost back from their loved one’s estate if there are sufficient funds available.

Help with Children’s Funerals

Local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales will not charge fees for a standard burial or cremation of a child under 18. This includes stillborn and foetal remains. Additionally, in England there is a £300 contribution to help with the cost of a coffin, casket or shroud which can either be reclaimed by a funeral director (if you are using one) or yourself.

The Social Fund may also be able to help those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits with other funeral expenses.

Sands (the stillbirth and neonatal death charity) is available to those needing practical and emotional support during this extremely difficult time.