Unique Financial Support

Government Funeral
Expenses Payment

A Funeral Expenses Payment will help to pay towards the cost of a funeral if you meet certain conditions and are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Government Funeral Expenses Payment

What will you get?

An amount of money that will cover costs such as:

Burial/cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate
Travel to the funeral
The cost of moving the deceased within the UK, if more than 50 miles
Death certificates or other documents
Up to £1000 for other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, the coffin or casket and flowers.

The funeral expenses payment will usually be paid into your bank account if you’ve already paid for the funeral, or direct to the Funeral Director if you haven’t.

How do I qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment?

You can get help towards the cost of a funeral if you or your partner receive one of the following benefits:

Universal Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit
Housing Benefit
Disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Support for Mortgage Interest loan

Making A Claim

You must apply within 6 months of the funeral, even if you’re waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit. You can make a claim before the funeral if you’ve got an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director. It cannot be an estimate.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

How to Claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

Telephone: 0800 731 0469

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

It is important to remember that how much you get depends on your circumstances, including any other money that may be available to cover the costs, such as an insurance policy or the person’s estate.

Unique Financial Support

Government Funeral
Expenses Payment