How Can We Help
We are very familiar with the process of claiming for a Funeral Expenses Payment from DWP. From the very start, we are here to support you through the arrangements and assist in any way we can. As an up-front summary, if you or someone arranging a funeral is in receipt of Universal credit or a few other benefits and circumstances listed below, you may be entitled to a payment that can help to pay for a Funeral. Our packages can be sympathetic to this support and often result in minimal to no contribution from entitled families for our Funeral services. If you have any questions at all, feel free to call us at any time of day. We are here to help. No obligation, no pressure, just compassionate support.
How It Works
You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you're arranging. What you'll get Funeral Expenses Payment can help pay for some of the costs of the following:
- burial fees for a particular plot
- cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor's certificate
- No additional mandatory charge will be applied without prior agreement.
- travel to arrange or go to the funeral
- the cost of moving the body within the UK, if it's being moved more than 50 miles
- death certificates or other documents
You can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director's fees, flowers or the coffin.
The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral.
How much you get depends on your circumstances. This includes any other money that's available to cover the costs, for example from an insurance policy or the deceased person's estate.
If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.
How The Money Is Paid
Funeral Expenses Payment is paid into your bank, building society or credit union account if you've already paid for the funeral.
The money will be paid directly to the organiser of the funeral (for example, the funeral director) if you have not paid yet.
Benefits You Must Get
You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- travel to arrange or go to the funeral
- Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit You might also be eligible if you're getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you've applied for these benefits and you're waiting to hear about your claim.
Rules On Your Relationship With The Deceased
You might be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment if you are:
- the partner of the deceased
- the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy
- the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)
If a close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work or not getting a qualifying benefit, you might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment.
If You're A Close Relative Or Friend
You might be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment if:
- the deceased did not have a partner when they died
- the partner of the deceased or parent of a deceased child cannot claim (for example, they live abroad or are in prison)