How to apply for funeral payments and grants

Who can get help with funeral costs

This applies to England. If you are struggling with money and need to arrange a farewell for a loved one, you might wonder if you can get support with funeral payments. Paying for a goodbye can feel overwhelming when money is tight. The government offers financial assistance for people who receive specific benefits and take charge of planning the service. To qualify, you generally need to be close to the person who passed away, such as their partner or a parent. Sometimes, other family members or close friends can step in if there is no partner or parent able to make the arrangements. However, if another close relative is working or does not receive a qualifying benefit, your application might be affected.

• The partner of the person who died.
• The parent of a baby or child who passed away.
• A close relative or friend in specific situations where no partner is available.

Funeral expense assistance

When you receive financial help from the government, it will not usually cover the entire bill. Instead, support is designed to help pay for specific essential parts of the service. It helps to understand what expenses can be included in your claim so you know what to expect. The amount you receive depends on your overall situation and any money left behind by your relative. If the person who passed away had a pre-paid plan, you can still get a small amount for items not covered by their plan.

• Burial fees for a specific plot.
• Cremation fees, including doctor certificate costs.
• Travel expenses to arrange or attend the service.
• Costs for moving the body over a long distance within the UK.
• Essential documents like death certificates.
• A contribution towards funeral director fees, coffins, or flowers.

Keeping a record of all bills and receipts will make it much easier to track what you have spent and what you need to claim back.

Applying for government funeral payments

Making a claim requires careful timing and the right paperwork. You must apply within a strict time limit following the service. You can even start your claim before the service happens if you have an official invoice or signed contract from the funeral director, rather than just an estimate.

1. Check that you receive a qualifying benefit or wait for a pending decision.
2. Gather your paperwork, including invoices and funeral director details.
3. Call the Bereavement Service helpline to speak with an adviser, or download and complete the postal form.
4. Wait for your claim to be processed and paid directly to you or the service organiser.

If you receive Universal Credit, your claim decision will wait until after your next regular benefit payment goes through.

Checking benefit eligibility for funeral support

To successfully receive government help, you or your partner must be receiving specific low income benefits. If you are unsure what benefits you receive, you can check your eligibility or explore related support pages such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit. You can even submit your claim while waiting for a benefit decision to be finalised.

• Universal Credit.
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• Pension Credit.
• Housing Benefit.

If you receive any of these benefits, make sure you have your details ready before contacting the helpline or filling out your claim papers.

Other financial help from charities

If you are not eligible for government assistance, do not worry, as there are alternative ways to find support. Charitable organisations and community groups often provide grants or one-off payments to people facing financial hardship. These funds do not need to be repaid. Charities often help people based on their past jobs, medical conditions, or where they live. You can also explore general advice on our Help with the cost of living page.

• Turn2us online grant search tools.
• Military charities if your relative served in the armed forces.
• Local community hubs and food networks for emergency aid.

Most charities prefer that you check your standard benefit entitlements first before applying for their specific hardship funds.