Help with the cost of a funeral you're arranging if you get certain benefits.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Funeral Expenses Payment offers
- Covers key costs: Helps with burial or cremation fees, travel and documents.
- Paid to funeral director: Can be paid directly if you haven't paid yet.
- Claim before or after: You can claim before or after the funeral.
- Estate deduction: It is recovered from the deceased's estate if there is money available.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People arranging a funeral who get a qualifying benefit and meet the relationship rules |
| How much | Burial or cremation fees and certain costs, plus up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses (£120 if there's a pre-paid plan) |
| How it's paid | To you or directly to the funeral director |
| How to claim | Online, by phone or by post within 6 months of the funeral |
| Where | England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Funeral Support Payment in Scotland) |
Key points
Covers key costs: Helps with burial or cremation fees, travel and documents.
Paid to funeral director: Can be paid directly if you haven't paid yet.
Claim before or after: You can claim before or after the funeral.
About Department for Work and Pensions
Funeral Expenses Payment is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.