Can I get help with funeral costs?
DWP claims
Depending on your current circumstances you could receive help in paying for costs of the doctor’s certificate of death, cremation fees and up to £700 for any funeral expenses including funeral directors’ fees and coffin transportation.
For a full list of exactly what can be included please download the Funeral Expenses Payment claim form SF200. This applies to England, Scotland and Wales (SF200W Welsh language).
In Northern Ireland you can get a Funeral Payment application form from a Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office or search for Funeral Payments on www.nidirect.gov.uk
Eligibility
To get Funeral Expenses Payment you must:
- get certain benefits or tax credits
- meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased
- be arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
Other funding options
You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.
In England, Scotland and Wales you could apply for a Budgeting Loan if you have been getting one or more of these benefits for the past 6 months:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
Download the Budgeting Loan claim form SF500 from www.gov.uk. (SF500W Welsh language). You can also now apply online.
Military service
Anyone who dies in military service is entitled to a funeral at public expense (A Service Funeral) plus an additional funeral grant. Alternatively, where the family prefers to organise a private funeral, the Ministry of Defence will provide a larger grant towards the cost. www.gov.uk/guidance/funeral-expenses-for-war-pensioners-and-veterans There are a number of organisations that may be able to help with costs, we have listed some helpful links. Please contact us for further information