Funeral Expenses Payment

At Funeral Experts, we empathise with the emotional and financial strain that accompanies planning a funeral. We understand that the costs involved can be overwhelming and may leave individuals feeling unprepared during such a challenging time. Our guide to Funeral Expenses Payment will help you identify if you might be eligible.

Overview

A Funeral Expenses Payment (also often rerferred to as a Funeral Grant) is a government scheme that helps people on a low income cover funeral costs, if they receive certain qualifying benefits.

Who Can Claim?

You (or your partner) must be getting one of the following qualifying benefits:

-Universal Credit
-Income Support
-Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
-Income related Employment and Support Allowance
-Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings)
-Housing Benefit
-Disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
-Child Tax Credit which includes a child element

If you’ve applied for a qualifying benefit but haven’t received a decision yet, the DWP may delay their decision about your Funeral Expenses Payment until your benefit is approved.

Who Can Apply?

You must be the person who is accepting responsibility for the funeral costs, even if someone else is making the arrangements.

You can apply if you are:

– the partner of the person who died
– parent, son or daughter of the person who died
– the close friend or relative of the person who died
– the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy
– the parent of a child who has died who was under 16, or under 20 and in full-time approved education.

Who May Be Excluded?

Even if you are a close relative, you may not be eligible if:

  • The person who died had a partner at the time of their death

  • The person who died had an adult son or daughter at the time of their death
  • Another close relative or close friend (such as an adult child) had a closer relationship or more regular contact

However, you may still qualify if:

  • The other relative or friend is also on a qualifying benefit, or

  • They were estranged from the deceased and not expected to be responsible


What does a Funeral Expenses Payment cover?

A Funeral Expenses Payment can help cover:

  • Burial or cremation fees

  • Travel costs for you to arrange or attend the funeral

  • Moving the body more than 50 miles within the UK

  • Death certificates or other legal documents necessary to release assets of the person who has died

You may also get up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses (e.g. funeral director’s fees, flowers, other transport costs).

Note: The payment usually won’t cover the full funeral cost. The amount depends on whether there is any money available to you from the deceased’s estate or insurance.

When Can You Claim?

You can claim any time from the date of death up to 6 months after the date of the funeral.

Need Help?

Our bereavement advisors are trained to advise you on eligibility for Funeral expenses Payment. Call us now on  0800 086 8887 to find out more.