Help with Funeral Costs

A practical guide from the Fuze Foundation

Before planning a funeral, it’s important to think about what you can afford.

Many people feel overwhelmed in the first days of bereavement. There is usually no need to rush. Taking time to understand your options can help you avoid unnecessary debt and make informed choices.

Help with funeral costs can come from several sources. This leaflet explains where support may be available and how to access it.

Where Help With Funeral Costs Can Come From

• Government support
• Money from the person who has died (their estate)
• Free specialist advice
• Bereavement benefits
• Charitable grants
• Crowdfunding
• Reducing funeral costs
• Public health or hospital funerals

You may be able to use more than one of these.

Government Help With Funeral Costs

Funeral Expenses Payment

(England, Wales & Northern Ireland)

The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government grant from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It is not a loan, but it usually covers less than half the cost of a simple funeral.

Who can apply?

You must:

• Be responsible for the funeral costs
• Be receiving (or waiting for a decision on) certain income-related benefits

Qualifying benefits include:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit

If your finances were linked to the person who died, your benefits may have changed. Even if you weren’t eligible before, you may be now.

📞 DWP Bereavement Service (England & Wales): 0800 151 2012
📞 Northern Ireland Bereavement Service: 0800 085 2463
🌐 https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Who Is Considered “Reasonable” to Apply?

After a live-in partner, the DWP usually expects the person who had the closest contact with the deceased to apply.

They look at:

• Your relationship to the person who died
• How often you were in contact
• Whether other close relatives are able or willing to apply

In some cases, relatives may be ignored—for example if they were estranged or under 18.

What the Funeral Expenses Payment Can Cover

• Reasonable burial or cremation fees
• Doctor’s fees (Northern Ireland only)
• Up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses (e.g. funeral director fees or a coffin)
• Death certificates needed to release money
• One return journey to arrange or attend the funeral
• In some cases, transport costs over 50 miles

💡 Any money in the deceased’s estate may be deducted from the payment.

Funeral Support Payment (Scotland)

If you live in Scotland, funeral help is provided through a different system.

For details on eligibility and how to apply, see our Funeral Support Payment (Scotland) factsheet or visit:
🌐 https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment

Money From the Deceased Person’s Estate

The person’s estate includes any money or assets they left behind.

Even if accounts are frozen, banks or building societies can often release money directly to the funeral director.

Check for:

• Bank or savings accounts
• Pre-paid funeral plans
• Insurance policies
• Workplace or private pensions
• Burial or cremation clubs
• Death-in-service benefits

⚠️ Funeral costs should usually be paid before other debts, such as rent or utility bills.

Free Expert Help: Down to Earth Helpline

The Down to Earth funeral costs helpline offers free, confidential advice anywhere in the UK.

They can help you:

• Reduce funeral costs
• Explore funding and benefits
• Deal with funeral directors
• Plan an affordable funeral

📞 020 8983 5055
🌐 https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/down-to-earth

(Provided by Quaker Social Action)

Bereavement Support Payment

If your partner has died and you are below State Pension age, you may be eligible for the Bereavement Support Payment.

Eligibility depends on whether you were:

• Married or in a civil partnership, or
• Living together as partners

🌐 England, Wales & Scotland: https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment
🌐 Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk

Charitable Grants

Some charities—often linked to specific jobs or industries—may offer help with funeral costs.

They usually:

• Explain who they can help
• Require you to apply after government support
• Offer partial contributions rather than full costs

A good place to search is Turn2Us:
🌐 https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk

A support worker, social worker, or Citizens Advice adviser can help with applications.

Crowdfunding for Funeral Costs

Some families use online fundraising to reduce funeral debt.

Popular platforms include:

• GoFundMe
• JustGiving
• Crowdfunder

Before choosing a platform:

• Check if fees are charged
• Check if you receive funds even if the target isn’t met

Be honest about your situation and share something about the person who has died.

Reducing Funeral Costs

Ways to keep costs down include:

• Shopping around and comparing quotes
• Asking for itemised price lists
• Choosing a simple funeral or direct cremation
• Limiting optional extras

Meaning comes from people, words, and memories, not price tags.

Public Health & Hospital Funerals

If no one is able or willing to pay, the local council has a legal duty to arrange a funeral.

• This is often called a public health funeral
• It is usually a simple cremation or burial
• Services and attendance rules vary by area

Even if you receive a government funeral payment but cannot afford the shortfall, the council should still consider this option.

Contact your local council, hospital, or (if involved) the coroner to find out what applies in your area.

A Final Word

You do not have to face funeral costs alone.  Support exists and asking for help is not a failure.