How to Pay for a Funeral

A practical guide from the Fuze Foundation

Being worried about funeral costs is very common.
If you are struggling to pay for a funeral, you are not alone, and help may be available.

This guide explains the main ways people raise money for funeral costs, how to avoid missing support, and where to get trusted help.

You do not need to explore every option, but it’s important to check what applies to you.

What This Guide Covers

There are six main ways people pay for funeral costs:

1. Money from the person who has died (their estate)
2. Government support and benefits
3. Grants from work-related charities
4. Grants from other charities
5. Crowdfunding
6. Repayment plans and loans

If none of these are possible, you may be able to request a public health funeral from the local council.

Before You Start

Take your time

Many people feel pressured to make quick decisions. In most cases, there is no need to rush.

Think about affordability

Before agreeing to costs, ask:

• What money is already available?
• What help can I apply for?
• What costs can be reduced?

⚠️ Funeral costs are often not due in full immediately, especially if you are waiting for benefits or grants.

Money From the Deceased Person’s Estate

The estate is the money and assets left by the person who has died.

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

Check for:

• Bank, building society, Post Office or credit union accounts
• Life insurance or funeral insurance
• Pre-paid funeral plans
• Private or workplace pensions
• Burial or cremation clubs
• Death-in-service benefits (if employed)
• Possible tax refund

💡 Funeral costs are the first priority from the estate, before rent or utility bills.

Helpful links

• Dealing with debts after a death:
  https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
• Tax after someone dies (Low Incomes Tax Reform Group):
  https://www.litrg.org.uk

Checklist

☐ Have you checked all bank and savings accounts?
☐ Is there any insurance or pension paperwork?
☐ Was the person employed at the time of death?
☐ Could a tax refund be due?

Government Support With Funeral Costs

There is statutory financial help, but it often covers less than half the cost of a funeral.

Eligibility depends on your benefits, not the benefits of the person who died.

Funeral payments by country

• England & Wales – Funeral Expenses Payment
  https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
• Northern Ireland – Funeral Expenses Payment
  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk
• Scotland – Funeral Support Payment
  https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment

📞 DWP Bereavement Service (England & Wales): 0800 151 2012

Bereavement Support Payment

If your partner has died and you are under State Pension age, you may also qualify.

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

Did you know?

• Funeral and bereavement payments are grants, not loans
• You can usually apply by phone or in writing
• Eligibility may also depend on other close family members’ benefit status

Grants From Work-Related Charities

Some charities help with funeral costs if you or the deceased worked in a particular industry.

This includes both current and past work.

Examples include charities linked to:

• Retail
• Hospitality
• Transport
• Construction
• Armed forces
• Public services

The employer does not need to still exist.

Important points

• Most charities require you to check government support first
• Many pay the funeral director directly
• Evidence is usually required

How to search

• Turn2Us grants search:
  https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk
• Lightning Reach:
  https://www.lightningreach.org

Also check:

• Trade unions (welfare funds)
• Professional associations

Other Charitable Grants

Some charities offer help based on:

• Age
• Location
• Gender
• Nationality
• Health or disability

These charities usually:

• Ask for proof you’ve explored other funding
• Pay outstanding bills, not reimbursements

Tips

• Apply to more than one charity if eligible
• Include copies of:
  • Funeral bill
  • Benefit letters
  • Bank statements

FAQs

Will charities pay the full cost?
Usually not—but several smaller grants can add up.

Will they reimburse me if I’ve already paid?
Most will not. Always check before borrowing.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding allows family, friends and others to donate small amounts that can make a big difference.

In 2024, 6% of people struggling with funeral costs used crowdfunding.

Popular platforms include:

• GoFundMe – https://www.gofundme.com
• JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com
• Crowdfunder – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk

Checklist

☐ Check platform fees
☐ Check if funds are paid even if target isn’t reached
☐ Explain your situation clearly
☐ Say how much you still need
☐ Share via social media

💡 Photos and personal stories often help people connect.

Repayment Plans & Loans

Some funeral directors allow payment plans, especially if you’re waiting for benefits or grants.

If considering borrowing:

• Budget carefully—only agree to what you can afford
• Avoid high-interest or payday lenders
• Check if family or friends can help instead

Possible options

• Payment plan with the funeral director
• Credit union loan (often lower interest)
• Budgeting Loan or Universal Credit Advance

Free debt advice

• StepChange
  https://www.stepchange.org
• Citizens Advice
  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• MoneyHelper
  https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

If You Cannot Pay at All

If there are no funds available, the local council has a legal duty to arrange a funeral.

This is known as a public health funeral.

• Usually a simple burial or cremation
• Arranged by the council (or hospital if death occurred there)
• Service details vary by area

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

Contact:

• The local council where the person died
• The hospital bereavement office (if applicable)

Letting Organisations Know About the Death

These free services help notify multiple organisations at once:

• Life Ledger – https://www.lifeledger.com
• Settld – https://settld.care

Final Reassurance

Funeral costs can feel frightening, but support does exist.
You do not have to manage this alone, and you do not have to go into debt to give someone dignity.