Find A Professional
Financial Assistance for Funeral Costs in the UK: An Overview
Planning a funeral can be a challenging and emotional time, made more difficult by the associated costs. Understanding the types of financial help available can alleviate some of these stresses. Here's a guide to some of the options available for covering funeral expenses in the UK.
Funeral Expenses Payment
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government benefit aimed at helping those who are on certain benefits or tax credits. It provides assistance towards the cost of a funeral. Eligibility requires that the claimant is responsible for the funeral and is in receipt of qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support, among others. Though the Funeral Expenses Payment may not cover all costs, it can contribute significantly to expenses like burial or cremation fees, travel to the funeral, or even help with the cost of a simple coffin.
Bereavement Support Payment
The Bereavement Support Payment is another form of aid available in the event of a partner's death. This payment replaces the former system of bereavement benefits and helps the surviving spouse or civil partner with a lump sum followed by monthly payments. Criteria for this support include the deceased having paid National Insurance contributions for a minimum number of years or having died as a result of an industrial accident. The Bereavement Support Payment is not specifically designated for funeral costs but can help ease the financial burden during a difficult time.
Charitable Organizations
Various charities in the UK offer help with funeral costs, often focusing on specific groups such as children or those who died suddenly or unexpectedly. Examples include the Child Funeral Charity and Cruse Bereavement Care. These organizations can provide grants or support for families in need, allowing for some relief when official sources of funding fall short.
Prepaid Funeral Plans
Though not an immediate form of financial aid, prepaid funeral plans can be a prudent step for mitigating future costs. These plans allow individuals to lock in the cost of a future funeral at today's prices, thus counterbalancing inflation. Payments can usually be made in installments, easing the financial impact on those left behind.
For those navigating a difficult time, understanding these financial aids can provide not just monetary relief but also some peace of mind. It’s advisable to explore each option to determine eligibility and the extent of assistance provided.
Financial Help for Funeral Costs in the UK
Funeral costs can be a significant financial burden during a time of grief. In the UK, there are several options available to help families manage these expenses. Below are some sources of financial assistance and support that may be available to you.
Funeral Expenses Payment
The Funeral Expenses Payment is available to individuals on specific benefits or tax credits. If you're eligible, this payment can help cover costs such as burial or cremation fees, travel expenses for the funeral, and up to £1,000 for other funeral-related costs. To qualify, you or your partner must receive benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit, and you must apply within six months of the funeral.
Bereavement Support Payment
The Bereavement Support Payment provides financial aid to those who have lost a spouse or civil partner. While not specifically for funeral costs, the initial lump sum and subsequent monthly payments can ease financial stress during the bereavement period. Eligibility depends on your partner having paid National Insurance contributions, and the payment is tax-free for up to 18 months.
Direct Cremation Services
Direct cremation is a cost-effective alternative to traditional funerals. It involves the cremation of the deceased without a formal service. Many funeral providers offer direct cremation packages that can save families significant amounts of money while still allowing for a memorial service at a later date.
Charitable Assistance
Several charities and organizations provide financial assistance for funeral costs based on specific criteria, such as the deceased's employment background or military service. Research charitable organizations relevant to your circumstances, such as those supporting veterans or workers in particular industries, to uncover potential grants or assistance.
Budgeting Loans
Budgeting Loans are interest-free loans from the UK government available to those receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. These loans can help cover immediate expenses, including funeral costs, and are repayable over a period of time directly from your benefits.
Navigating the financial aspects of a funeral can be challenging. It's essential to explore all available options to ensure a respectful farewell without undue financial strain.
Financial Help for Funeral Costs in the UK: An Overview
Planning a funeral can be hard and very emotional. It can also be expensive. Knowing about the money help you can get can make things a bit easier. Here is a guide to some of the ways to help pay for a funeral in the UK.
Funeral Expenses Payment
The Funeral Expenses Payment is money from the government. It helps people who get certain benefits or tax credits. This payment helps pay for a funeral. To get it, you must be in charge of the funeral and get benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support. The Funeral Expenses Payment might not cover all the costs. But it can help pay for things like burial or cremation fees, travel to the funeral, or a simple coffin.
Bereavement Support Payment
The Bereavement Support Payment is money to help if your partner dies. It used to be called bereavement benefits. It gives the person left behind a big payment first, then smaller payments each month. To get this, the person who died must have paid National Insurance for enough years. Or they might have died because of a work accident. This money is not just for funerals. But it can help with money worries during this sad time.
Charitable Organizations
Some charities in the UK can help with funeral costs. They often help special groups, like children or people who died suddenly. Charities like the Child Funeral Charity and Cruse Bereavement Care can give money or support to families who need help. This can be a relief if government help is not enough.
Prepaid Funeral Plans
Prepaid funeral plans are not immediate money help. But they can save money in the future. They let people pay for their funeral now, at today's prices. This can stop prices going up because of inflation. People can usually pay in parts, which makes it easier for family members later on.
When going through a tough time, knowing about these financial aids can help with money and give some peace of mind. It’s a good idea to look at each option to see if you can get it and how much it will help.
Financial Help for Funeral Costs in the UK
Funerals can be very expensive and happen during a sad time. In the UK, there are ways to help pay for funerals. Here are some ways you can get help with these costs.
Funeral Expenses Payment
If you get certain benefits or tax credits, you might get money to help pay for a funeral. This is called the Funeral Expenses Payment. It can help pay for things like burial, cremation, and travel to the funeral. You can also get up to £1,000 for other costs. To get this help, you or your partner must get help like Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit. You must ask for this help within six months after the funeral.
Bereavement Support Payment
If your husband, wife, or civil partner has died, you might get the Bereavement Support Payment. This gives money to help you when your partner has died. It is not just for funerals but can help with money worries. Your partner must have paid National Insurance. You don’t pay tax on this money for up to 18 months.
Direct Cremation Services
Direct cremation is a cheaper way than having a big funeral. The body is cremated without a service. You can have a memorial later. Many funeral places offer this to help save money.
Charitable Assistance
Some charities give money to help pay for funerals. They might help because of the job the person had or if they were in the military. Look for charities that match your situation to see if you can get help.
Budgeting Loans
If you get certain benefits, you might get a Budgeting Loan from the UK government. These loans have no interest and can help pay for funerals. You pay back the loan from your benefits over time.
Sorting out money for a funeral can be hard. Make sure you check all these options to pay for a respectful goodbye without too much money worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government benefit that helps people on a low income with the cost of a funeral. To qualify, you must receive certain benefits or tax credits.
Who is eligible for the Funeral Expenses Payment?
You may be eligible if you or your partner are receiving certain benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit.
How much can I receive from the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances. It typically covers necessary burial or cremation fees, some travel costs, and up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses.
How do I apply for the Funeral Expenses Payment?
You can apply for the Funeral Expenses Payment online through the UK government website or by calling the dedicated helpline. Forms are also available to download and send by post.
When should I claim the Funeral Expenses Payment?
Claims can be made from the date of death and up to six months after the funeral has taken place.
What documents are needed to claim the Funeral Expenses Payment?
You will need a completed claim form, the death certificate, original funeral bills, and documents proving your entitlement to the qualifying benefits.
Are there any funeral assistance options for veterans?
Yes, the UK government provides funeral assistance for veterans. This includes covering the cost of burial or cremation and a contribution towards other funeral expenses.
Can the Funeral Expenses Payment be used abroad?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is intended for funerals conducted in the UK. Different rules apply if the funeral takes place abroad.
Are there charity funds available for funeral costs?
Several charities and trusts offer help with funeral costs, particularly for specific groups like children, veterans, or certain occupational sectors.
What are some common charities that provide funeral assistance?
Charities like the Child Funeral Charity, SSAFA for veterans, and occupational groups like the Teaching Staff or Civil Service have support funds available.
Is there a budgeting advance for funeral costs?
You might be able to get a budgeting advance if you receive Universal Credit and need help with funeral costs. This is a loan, so you will have to repay it through your regular payments.
What is a Discretionary Payment for funeral costs?
Some local councils offer discretionary payments for funeral costs on a case-by-case basis. You would need to contact your local council to find out if you are eligible.
Can I use a crowdfunding platform to help with funeral costs?
Yes, many families turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to help raise money for funeral costs. However, success varies, and it should not be relied upon as the sole source of funding.
Are there any interest-free loans available for funeral costs?
Some credit unions and local councils offer interest-free loans for funeral expenses, subject to eligibility and terms.
What should I do if I cannot afford a funeral at all?
If you are unable to arrange or pay for a funeral, local councils can arrange a public health funeral. These are basic services, and you may not get to choose the details about the service.
What is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The Funeral Expenses Payment is money to help with the cost of a funeral. This helps pay for things like the coffin and flowers. If you need this help, you can ask for it.
If reading is hard, you can ask someone to read and explain this to you. You can also use audiobooks or apps that read the text out loud.
The Funeral Expenses Payment is money from the government. It helps people who don't have much money pay for a funeral. To get this help, you need to be getting certain benefits or tax credits.
Who can get help to pay for a funeral?
You might be able to get this help if you or your partner get some benefits. These benefits are:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
If you need help understanding these, you can ask someone you trust to explain them to you. There are also online tools and charities that can help you figure it out.
How much money can I get to help pay for a funeral?
The money you get will depend on your situation. It usually helps pay for important burial or cremation costs. It also covers some travel costs and gives up to £1,000 for other funeral things.
How do I ask for money to help pay for a funeral?
You can ask for money to help pay for a funeral on the UK government website. You can also call a special phone line for help or get forms to fill out and send in the mail.
When should I ask for help with funeral costs?
You can ask for help with costs starting from the day someone dies and up to six months after their funeral.
What papers do you need to get money for funeral costs?
You need some papers to ask for money to help pay for a funeral. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Ask someone you trust to help you with the papers.
- Use a checklist to keep track of what you have and what you need.
- Take your time and do one thing at a time.
You need a few things to make a claim:
- A claim form that you have filled out.
- The death certificate.
- The original bills from the funeral.
- Papers that show you can get the benefits.
To help you, you can use a checklist or ask someone you trust to go through the list with you. It's a good idea to keep everything in one folder so you don't lose anything.
Can veterans get help with funerals?
Yes, veterans can get help with funerals.
If a veteran dies, their family might get some money to pay for the funeral.
Here are some ways to get help:
- Check with veteran groups. They may have some money or support.
- Talk to the local veteran office. They can give advice and help.
- Family can ask the government for funeral money.
For more information, you can:
- Call a veteran hotline for help.
- Visit a veteran office in person.
Yes, the UK government helps pay for veterans' funerals. They help with the cost of burying or burning the body, and they also give some money for other funeral costs.
Can you use the Funeral Expenses Payment in another country?
The Funeral Expenses Payment helps pay for funerals held in the UK. If the funeral is outside the UK, there are different rules.
Can you get help to pay for a funeral?
Some charities can give you money to help pay for a funeral. These groups can help if you do not have enough money. Ask someone you trust, like a family member or a friend, to help you find these charities.
You can also try these things:
- Look online for charity groups that help with funerals.
- Talk to a funeral director. They might know who can help.
- Visit your local community center. They might have some advice.
Some charities and trusts can help pay for funerals. They often help certain groups of people, like children, veterans, or people in certain jobs.
Which groups can help pay for funerals?
There are groups that can help with money. Here are some:
- The Child Funeral Charity helps families with costs for children's funerals.
- SSAFA helps people who were in the army and their families.
- There are also groups that help workers like teachers or people in the Civil Service.
Can I get help to pay for a funeral?
If you get Universal Credit, you might be able to get some extra money to help pay for a funeral. This extra money is called a budgeting advance. Remember, it's a loan, so you'll have to pay it back bit by bit from your regular money.
What is a Special Payment for Funeral Costs?
A special payment for funeral costs is money that can help pay for a funeral.
If you do not have enough money to pay for a funeral, you might get some help.
It is extra money to help pay for things like a coffin or flowers.
You can talk to someone who knows about this, like a social worker, for help.
Families can also visit special websites for more information.
Some town councils might help pay for funerals. They decide each time if they will help. You need to ask your town council if they can help you.
Can I use a website to get help with funeral costs?
Yes, you can use a website to ask for money for a funeral. This can help pay for things like the service, coffin, and flowers.
You make a page and tell people why you need help. People can give money if they want to.
Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Use simple words to explain why you need help.
- Add pictures to show what the money will be used for.
- Share the page with family and friends, so more people see it.
Ask a friend or family member for help to set up the page if you need it.
Yes, a lot of families use websites like GoFundMe to ask for money to help pay for funerals. But sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, so don't count on it to be the only way to get money.
Can I get a loan with no extra money to pay for a funeral?
If you need help paying for a funeral, you might wonder if there are loans that don't add extra costs. Here is a simple way to find out:
- Ask your local council for help. They might have money to lend.
- Check with charities. Some give money without extra costs for funerals.
- Look for online groups that talk about funerals and money help.
It can be hard when someone dies. Ask a friend or family member to help with finding money help.
There are tools online like text-to-speech to read things out loud. This might make it easier to understand.
Some credit unions and local councils can give you loans without interest to help pay for a funeral. You need to check if you qualify and what the rules are.
What if I can't pay for a funeral?
If you don't have the money for a funeral, here are some things you can do:
- Look for help from the government. They might have money to help with funeral costs.
- Ask family and friends if they can help with the money.
- Plan a small, simple service that costs less.
- Talk to a funeral home. They might have options that cost less.
If reading is hard, you can ask someone to help you with these steps. You can also use tools that read the text out loud for you.
If you cannot pay for a funeral, the council can help. They can set up a simple funeral. You won't be able to choose everything about the service.
Useful Links
More Videos of Interestdiagnosis
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.