Financial Support
Financial Support with Funeral Costs
Help may be available if you are responsible for arranging a funeral and are concerned about the cost. Our team will explain our funeral options clearly and direct you towards the official support available.
We can explain our funeral charges and provide the documents needed for an application, but eligibility for government support is decided by the relevant government department.
Do not struggle with the cost in silence
Arranging a funeral can create financial worry at an already difficult time. Please tell us if you are concerned about affordability before the funeral arrangements are confirmed.
We will explain each funeral option, what is included and the total cost. This allows you to choose an arrangement which is appropriate for your family and realistic for your circumstances.
- You will receive clear information about the available funeral options.
- We will explain which services are included in the quoted price.
- We can provide an invoice or signed funeral agreement for a benefit application.
- There is no obligation to add optional services or personal extras.
A dignified funeral should not depend on unnecessary expense
Our funeral options have been designed to give families clear choices at different price points, from a simple unattended cremation through to a traditional attended funeral.
Whatever option is selected, your loved one will receive professional local care and be treated with dignity and respect.
We will always explain the cost before asking you to confirm the arrangements.
Check what help is available before adding optional funeral services
A Funeral Expenses Payment will not normally cover every funeral cost. The amount awarded depends on your circumstances, the funeral being arranged and any other money available from insurance, a funeral plan or the estate of the person who died. Please avoid agreeing to services which you could not afford if an application was unsuccessful or covered only part of the account.
Funeral Expenses Payment
A Funeral Expenses Payment, sometimes called a Funeral Payment, may help if you receive certain benefits and are responsible for arranging a funeral.
The Department for Work and Pensions will consider your benefits, your relationship to the person who died, the funeral arrangements and whether other funds are available.
Qualifying benefits may include
- Universal Credit.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit.
- A Support for Mortgage Interest loan in some circumstances.
You or your partner must usually receive a qualifying benefit and meet the rules concerning your relationship to the person who died. A close relative in work or not receiving a qualifying benefit may affect eligibility.
Help towards essential funeral costs
The amount awarded depends on the individual application. The following types of cost may be considered.
Burial or Cremation
Eligible burial fees for a particular plot or cremation fees, including the cost of a required medical certificate.
Travel Costs
Reasonable travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral may be included in the assessment.
Transfer Costs
The cost of moving the person who died within the UK when the journey is more than 50 miles.
Official Documents
Certain death certificates and other documents required for the funeral arrangements.
Other Funeral Expenses
Up to £1,000 may be available towards other expenses such as funeral director charges, the coffin or flowers.
Existing Funeral Plans
Where a pre-paid funeral plan exists, the contribution for items not covered by that plan may be limited to £120.
The final award depends on the complete circumstances
Insurance proceeds, money in the estate, a funeral plan and other funds available for the funeral may affect the amount paid. The Department for Work and Pensions makes the eligibility and payment decision.
How to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment
You can apply before or after the funeral, but government time limits apply.
Choose the Funeral
Discuss the funeral arrangements and ensure you understand the total cost before confirming.
Obtain Documents
To claim before the funeral, you will need an invoice or signed contract rather than a general estimate.
Contact the Service
Call the Bereavement Service or complete the official SF200 claim form.
Claim Within Six Months
The application must be made within six months of the funeral, even when a benefit decision is pending.
Bereavement Service helpline
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. An adviser can help with the Funeral Expenses Payment application and other bereavement benefits.
Children’s Funeral Fund for England
The Children’s Funeral Fund can help with some funeral costs for a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.
The fund is not means-tested, so family income and savings do not affect eligibility. The burial or cremation must take place in England.
When a funeral director is appointed, the relevant claims can usually be made directly by the funeral director and burial or cremation provider.
The fund can cover eligible burial fees charged for the funeral of a child.
Eligible cremation fees and the cost of a required doctor’s certificate may be covered.
Up to £300 can be claimed towards an eligible coffin, casket or shroud.
Claims for eligible expenses must normally be made within six months of the funeral.
Bereavement Support Payment
Bereavement Support Payment is a tax-free government benefit which may be available when a husband, wife, civil partner or qualifying cohabiting partner dies.
Eligibility depends on matters including your age, your relationship, where you live and the National Insurance record of the person who died.
Followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £100.
Followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £350.
Important claim times
- Claim within three months of your partner’s death to receive the full one-off payment and all eligible monthly payments.
- A claim made after three months may result in fewer monthly payments.
- Claims can normally be made for up to 21 months after the death, although the amount may be reduced.
- The payment is not means-tested, so earnings and savings do not determine eligibility.
- Different rules apply to qualifying cohabiting partners, including rules concerning dependent children or pregnancy.
The information above is a general summary. The Bereavement Service will determine whether you qualify and which payment rate applies.
Check whether other funds are available
Before making the final arrangements, it is sensible to check whether the person who died had made any financial provision for their funeral.
A Pre-paid Funeral Plan
Look through important papers, emails and bank statements for evidence of an existing funeral plan. Contact the named provider before confirming a new funeral arrangement.
Life Insurance or Assurance
Check whether there was a life insurance policy, over-50s policy, workplace death-in-service benefit or another policy which may provide a payment.
Employment or Pension Benefits
A former employer, trade association, occupational pension or benevolent fund may provide a death benefit or financial assistance.
Money in the Estate
Check with the executor, administrator, bank or solicitor whether estate funds may be available towards the funeral account.
Independent benefits and financial guidance
Staffordshire Direct Cremation can explain funeral prices and provide documents relating to the funeral arrangements. We cannot determine benefit eligibility, guarantee that an application will be approved or provide regulated financial advice.
For an official eligibility decision, contact the Bereavement Service. You may also wish to obtain independent guidance from a recognised benefits adviser, Citizens Advice or a qualified financial adviser.
Questions about financial support
These answers provide general guidance. The relevant government department will make the final decision about eligibility and payment.
Will a Funeral Expenses Payment cover the whole funeral?
Not necessarily. The payment is intended to help with specified funeral costs and will not usually cover the complete funeral account.
The award depends on your circumstances, the funeral arrangements and any other money available from insurance, a funeral plan or the estate.
Can I apply before the funeral takes place?
Yes. You can apply before the funeral if you have an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director. A general estimate is not sufficient for the application.
How long do I have to make a claim?
A Funeral Expenses Payment application must normally be made within six months of the funeral. You should still apply within this period if you are waiting for a decision about a qualifying benefit.
What happens if the application is refused?
The person who entered into the funeral agreement remains responsible for the funeral account, regardless of whether a government application is approved.
This is why it is important to choose an affordable funeral and understand the complete cost before confirming the arrangements.
Can the payment be made directly to the funeral director?
Yes. If the funeral has not already been paid, an approved Funeral Expenses Payment may be paid directly to the funeral organiser, such as the funeral director.
Is the Children’s Funeral Fund means-tested?
No. Family income and savings do not affect eligibility for the Children’s Funeral Fund for England.
The fund applies to eligible funerals for children under 18 and babies stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy where the burial or cremation takes place in England.
Can you complete the government application for me?
We can provide the funeral invoice, signed agreement and relevant details about the funeral costs.
The application must be made to the Bereavement Service by the person claiming. The government adviser can help you complete the claim and explain what further information is required.
Who should I call for official advice?
For Funeral Expenses Payment and Bereavement Support Payment enquiries, call the government Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 .
The helpline is normally available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Speak with our local funeral team
Tell us if you are worried about the cost of arranging a funeral. We will explain the available options clearly and help you avoid agreeing to services which are outside your budget.