Help with funeral costs

There are many places where financial assistance towards the cost of the funeral can be obtained.  We have much experience of accessing financial support for families and are here to help and advise you with this.  In the first instance, the sources of finance you could consider are:

  • money in a bank, building society or post office account
  • money from insurance policies
  • money from an occupational pension scheme
  • money from a burial club
  • any savings or cash from the person who has died
  • contributions towards the cost of the funeral from relatives, friends or charities

It is also worth enquiring if the person who died had taken out a pre-paid funeral plan. More and more people are doing this these days as a means of putting their affairs in order, often at the same time as writing or updating their wills.

If you would like more information about pre-paid funerals, please contact us.

We are transparent about all our prices and can help you explore ways to arrange a personal funeral that fits your annual budget.

It’s not uncommon for a family to worry about how they will pay for a funeral. Please discuss any financial concerns you may have with us – we are here to help.

We have signed the Fair Funeral Pledge and are open and transparent about our prices. In addition to the funds that are available from the sources below, our trained staff have a great deal of experience in negotiating down costs for you, adding special touches to personalise a funeral, which often cost next to nothing and accessing funding from charitable organisations on your behalf.

Additionally, financial help may be available through the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) online, by their dedicated Helpline or via your local Jobcentre.

The Social Fund Payment is specifically aimed at the cost of a funeral: Helpline – 0345 6036967

Download a claim form for the Social Fund Payment here from the Department of Work & Pensions.

Social Fund Payment 

Help towards the cost of a funeral is available for those dependent on receipt of one of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit where disability or severe disability element is included in the award.
  • Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element.

Bereavement Support Payment

The Bereavement Support Payment provides a one-off lump sum payment followed by 18 monthly payments and now extends eligibility for these payments to those people under the age of 45 years.

There are two rates of support with Bereavement Support Payments:

For claimants with dependent children or who are pregnant:

£3,500 lump sum payment, followed by 18 monthly payments of £350

For claimants without dependent children and are not pregnant:

£2,500 lump sum payment, followed by 18 monthly payments of £100

Helpline – 0345 6088601

Download a claim form for the Bereavement Support Payment here from the Department of Work & Pensions.

A translation service is provided on both Helplines for those persons whose first language may not be English.

  • All claimants must have been married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased. There are no payments for those people living together as a couple without being married or in a civil partnership, regardless of whether they have children of not.
  • The deceased spouse or civil partner must usually have paid National Insurance, however contribution requirements have been reduced under the new system.
  • Bereavement Support Payments are not means tested, are tax free and do not affect existing means-tested benefits claims.
  • The age limit of 45 years has been removed, allowing younger bereaved partners access to the payments for the first time.
  • Marrying, cohabiting or entering a civil partnership will not affect the eligibility to continue to receive Bereavement Support Payments.
Find out more about funeral costs