Losing a loved one is always difficult, and the cost of arranging a funeral can add serious financial strain.
Fortunately, the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions offers a Funeral Expenses Payment (sometimes called a funeral grant) to help people on certain benefits cover essential funeral costs.
Exactly how much you can claim depends on several factors?
What is the DWP Funeral Grant (Funeral Expenses Payment)?
A Funeral Expenses Payment is financial help from the DWP to contribute towards the cost of a funeral when you are on qualifying benefits.
It does not typically cover everything, but it supports key costs like burial or cremation, travel, and some “other” funeral expenses.
Who is eligible for the Funeral Expenses Payment?
You may be eligible if you (or your partner) are receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.
You also need to have a close relationship with the person who died (for example, being their partner, or parent of a child), and you must be arranging a funeral in the UK, the EEA, or Switzerland.
How much does the DWP Funeral Grant pay for burial or cremation costs?
The grant helps with burial or cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate.
The DWP does not promise to pay all the costs, but they cover what they consider to be “necessary costs.”
How much can you claim for other funeral expenses?
On top of basic burial or cremation costs, you can get up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses.
These additional costs include things like funeral director’s fees, a coffin, flowers, or transport.
What if the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan?
If there was a pre-paid funeral plan, the DWP significantly limits what they will pay for “other” costs: in that case you can only get up to £120 for items not covered by the plan.
Are there any travel or transport costs covered by the Funeral Grant?
Yes. You can claim for reasonable travel costs to arrange or go to the funeral.
If the body needs to be moved more than 50 miles within the UK, the DWP can also help cover that transport cost.
Does the grant cover death certificates or documents?
Yes. The Funeral Expenses Payment supports the cost of death certificates or other necessary documents needed to organise and pay for the funeral.
How does the deceased person’s estate affect how much you’ll get?
When deciding how much to pay, the DWP looks at how much money is available from the deceased person’s estate (but note: not always everything counts).
If the estate has funds that are easily available, this may reduce the grant amount.
Has the Funeral Grant Amount changed recently?
Yes. In November 2019, the DWP announced that the extra payment for “other funeral expenses” would increase from £700 to £1,000, starting in spring 2020.
This change was made to help families cover a larger portion of non-essential but still important costs.
When and how will I receive the Funeral Grant?
If you have already paid for the funeral, the Funeral Expenses Payment can be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
If you have not yet paid, the payment can go directly to the funeral organiser (for example, the funeral director).
What is the claim process and what claim form is used?
You must apply within six months of the funeral.
You can claim by phone via the DWP Bereavement Service helpline at 0800 151 2012, or by post using the SF200 claim form.
The SF200 form is available on the GOV.UK website.
