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Arranging a funeral at short notice is emotionally draining, and the cost can be considerable. If you are on a qualifying benefit in the UK, you may be able to claim the Funeral Expenses Payment — a government grant that helps cover some of the costs of a funeral for a close family member or friend.
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At a glance
What it is
A government grant (Funeral Expenses Payment) that helps people on qualifying benefits meet funeral costs in the UK.
Who handles it
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — claim by phone or post via the SF200 form.
Typical timeline
Apply within six months of the funeral; you may also claim before the funeral if you have a signed invoice.
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What is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
The Funeral Expenses Payment (sometimes called Funeral Payment) is a DWP benefit that can contribute towards the cost of a funeral. Funeral costs in the UK can reach £5,000 or more, which is why many families also consider a direct cremation as a more affordable alternative. The payment does not usually cover the entire cost, but it can provide meaningful relief.
The grant can cover:
- Burial fees for a specific plot
- Cremation fees, including the doctor's certificate
- Travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral
- The cost of moving the body more than 50 miles within the UK
- Death certificates and other required documents
You may also receive up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses — such as funeral director fees, flowers, or the coffin — depending on your circumstances.
When to apply
Submit your application within six months of the funeral date, even if your qualifying benefit claim is still being processed. You can also apply before the funeral takes place, provided you have a signed invoice or contract from the funeral director — an estimate alone is not sufficient.
Where the payment goes
If you have already paid for the funeral, the money is deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account. If the funeral has not yet been paid for, the payment is made directly to the funeral director or other funeral organiser.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- The disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
You must also meet the relationship rules — typically you must be a close family member of the deceased (spouse, civil partner, parent, child, or close friend in certain circumstances). The funeral must be arranged in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
If you are not a family member but you arranged and paid for the funeral, you may still be eligible if the deceased had no partner at the time of death, or if the partner or parent is unable to claim.
How to claim
Phone: Contact the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012. An adviser will help you with the claim and can also check whether you qualify for other bereavement benefits, such as the Bereavement Support Payment.
Post: Download and complete the SF200 claim form from GOV.UK and send it to the address on the form.
For full details, visit www.gov.uk/funeral-payments.
How much can I get from the Funeral Expenses Payment?
There is no fixed maximum. The grant covers specific costs in full (burial or cremation fees, travel, documentation) plus up to £1,000 for other expenses. The total depends on your circumstances and may not cover the entire funeral bill.
Can I claim if I have not paid for the funeral yet?
Yes, provided you have a signed invoice or contract from the funeral director — not just an estimate.
What happens if the estate can pay?
If the deceased left money or assets, the DWP will recover the amount paid from the estate before it is distributed.
Are there other bereavement benefits I can claim?
Yes. If your spouse or civil partner died, you may also be entitled to the Bereavement Support Payment. The Bereavement Service helpline (0800 151 2012) can advise on all benefits you may qualify for. See also our guide on who to notify when someone dies.
