Funeral Expenses Payment
For anyone who is on a low income and in receipt of benefits, you may qualify to receive a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The payment won’t usually cover the whole bill, and aims to cover some of the essential costs, such as death certificates, cremation/burial fees, funeral transport and some of the funeral director’s fees. If the deceased had money left in their estate, you may be required to pay back any money you receive. Any applications have to be made within six months of a person dying. The money will either be sent direct to the funeral director and deducted from the final bill, or else paid straight into your account (if you apply after the funeral has been paid for). This is a means-tested benefit.
How to apply: You can find out more, check your eligibility and make an application by calling the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0800 151 2012. Alternatively, you can apply online through the government website, or else download and print an SF200 claim form and apply by post (otherwise your local Jobcentre Plus can give you a form).
