Who is eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment?

Eligibility for a Funeral Expenses Payment in the United Kingdom

General Eligibility Criteria

In the United Kingdom, the Funeral Expenses Payment is designed to help people on certain benefits cover the cost of a funeral for a deceased loved one. To be eligible for this payment, applicants must be responsible for organizing and paying for a funeral. The deceased must have been a resident of the UK at the time of their death. Additionally, the applicant must be a close relative, partner, or friend of the deceased, and they should apply within six months of the funeral taking place.

Qualifying Benefits

Applicants must be receiving certain means-tested benefits to be eligible for the Funeral Expenses Payment. Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit with a disability element, or Support for Mortgage Interest loan. It is important to note that if the applicant receives one of these benefits jointly with their partner, they can still apply.

Considerations for Non-Immediate Family

In cases where the deceased has left immediate family members or their partner, these individuals are typically expected to take on the responsibility of organizing the funeral. If there is no surviving partner or children, the responsibility may fall to other relatives. If you are not an immediate family member, you may still be eligible, but additional factors may be considered to establish your connection with the deceased and your role in organizing the funeral.

Limitations and Additional Support

The Funeral Expenses Payment does not cover the entire cost of a funeral. It provides partial assistance with specific expenses such as burial or cremation fees. Applicants will need to cover the remaining costs themselves or seek additional financial help. It's important to gather all necessary documentation to support your claim and submit your application as soon as possible after the funeral.