Losing someone you love is devastating enough without the added burden of worrying about how you'll pay for their funeral. Yet for many families across the UK, the cost of a funeral — which can run to several thousand pounds (use our /funeral-cost-calculator/ to estimate your costs) — creates very real financial anxiety at the worst possible moment.
The good news is that help is available. The Government's Funeral Expenses Payment (sometimes called a Funeral Payment) is a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can help eligible people cover some or all of the costs. There are also charitable grants, community funds, and other forms of support that many families don't know about.
This guide explains everything you need to know: who can claim, what's covered, how much you could receive, and how to apply — as well as other sources of financial help if the Funeral Expenses Payment doesn't fully meet your needs.
What Is Funeral Expenses Payment?
Funeral Expenses Payment is a government grant — not a loan — provided by the DWP to help people on certain qualifying benefits with the cost of a funeral. Because it is a grant, you do not need to pay it back directly, though if the deceased person left an estate (money, property, or other assets), the DWP may recover some or all of the payment from that estate.
It is available in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, a similar scheme exists through the NI Department for Communities, and you should contact them separately.
Importantly, Funeral Expenses Payment rarely covers the full cost of a funeral. It is designed to help, not to cover everything. Understanding this from the outset will help you plan accordingly and explore additional support where needed.
Who Can Claim Funeral Expenses Payment?
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. You Must Be Responsible for the Funeral
You need to be the person who has arranged and is paying for the funeral. This is typically the next of kin or the person who signed the contract with the /find-a-funeral-director/funeral director.
2. You Must Be Receiving a Qualifying Benefit
At the time you make your claim, you (or your partner) must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- The disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
If you are not currently receiving any of these benefits, you will not qualify for Funeral Expenses Payment — even if you are on a low income. In that case, the other sources of help later in this guide may be more relevant to your situation.
3. The Deceased Must Have Lived in the UK
The person who has died must have been ordinarily resident in the UK. There are some exceptions for EEA nationals and people who died abroad in certain circumstances — contact the DWP for guidance on your specific situation.
4. Your Relationship to the Deceased
Your relationship to the person who has died matters. You are more likely to qualify if:
- You were their partner (married, civil partner, or cohabiting)
- You were their close relative or close friend and there is no one else in a closer relationship who could reasonably pay
- You are the parent of a baby who was stillborn or who died as a child
The DWP will look at whether there is anyone in a closer relationship to the deceased who could reasonably be expected to pay. For example, if the deceased had a spouse who is working and not on benefits, the DWP may decide that person should cover the cost instead.
What Does Funeral Expenses Payment Cover in 2026?
What Is Included
Funeral Expenses Payment can cover the following necessary costs:
- Burial fees or cremation fees (including the cost of a doctor's certificate needed for cremation)
- Travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral (for the person claiming)
- The cost of moving the body within the UK — up to £120 if the body needs to be moved more than 50 miles
- Death certificates or other documentation (reasonable costs)
In addition to these specific costs, you can claim up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses — things like the funeral director's fees, a coffin, flowers, or a service at a place of worship.
What Is Not Included
There are things the payment does not cover, including:
- Costs above the set limits (for example, if your funeral director's fees exceed £1,000, you will need to fund the difference)
- Headstones or memorial costs
- The cost of a funeral abroad
- Costs met by a pre-paid funeral plan the deceased had in place
How Much Can You Get?
There is no single fixed amount. The total you receive depends on your individual circumstances, the type of funeral, and the specific costs involved.
However, as a general guide:
- The £1,000 contribution towards general funeral costs is a fixed cap
- Burial or cremation fees are paid in full (at whatever the local authority or crematorium charges)
- Eligible travel and documentation costs are also covered in full
In practice, many families find that the payment covers a significant portion of a simple, dignified funeral — particularly if they opt for a direct cremation or a low-cost funeral option. An NAFD-accredited funeral director will always be transparent about costs upfront and can help you understand what will and won't be covered.
Any money the deceased left in their estate — including savings, a pension lump sum, or the proceeds of a pre-paid funeral plan — will be deducted from your payment. If the estate is worth more than the funeral cost, you may receive nothing.
How to Apply: The SF200 Form
You apply for Funeral Expenses Payment using form SF200 (previously known as the BSF1). You can apply:
- Online at gov.uk/funeral-payments
- By phone by calling the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 (free from most UK landlines and mobiles)
- By post by requesting a paper form from the DWP
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check your eligibility — confirm you are receiving a qualifying benefit and that your relationship to the deceased meets the criteria
- Gather your documents — you will need the death certificate (or certificate of stillbirth), proof of your benefit entitlement, and a copy of the funeral director's invoice or estimate
- Complete the SF200 form — either online, by phone, or on paper
- Submit your claim — you must apply within 6 months of the date of the funeral
- Await a decision — the DWP will write to you with their decision
Important: Do not wait until after the funeral to start the process. You can apply as soon as the funeral has been arranged, and claims are accepted up to 6 months after the funeral date. Missing this deadline means you will lose your entitlement.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary. In straightforward cases, you may receive a decision within a few weeks. More complex cases — for example, where the deceased left an estate that needs to be assessed — can take longer. If you are concerned about timelines, contact the DWP Bereavement Service directly for an update on your claim.
Your funeral director will typically wait for payment if they know a Funeral Expenses Payment claim is in progress. Do let them know as soon as possible — a good NAFD-accredited funeral director will be experienced in handling these situations sensitively and without adding pressure.
Other Ways to Get Help with Funeral Costs
If you don't qualify for Funeral Expenses Payment, or if it doesn't cover everything, there are other sources of support worth exploring.
Bereavement Support Payment
If your spouse or civil partner has died, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment. This is a separate benefit from Funeral Expenses Payment and is paid to surviving partners, not necessarily to cover funeral costs specifically, but it can help with immediate financial pressures. You can receive a lump sum payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. To qualify, your partner must have been paying National Insurance contributions (or been exempt due to an industrial accident or disease) and you must be under State Pension age when they died.
Local Authority Support
If there is genuinely no one to pay for a funeral — or the deceased's estate and family have no means to do so — the local council has a duty to arrange and pay for a public health funeral (sometimes called a pauper's funeral). These are simple, dignified services, though the family has little input into the arrangements. Contact your local authority's environmental health or bereavement services department for more information.
Charitable Grants and Funds
A range of charities and organisations offer grants to help with funeral costs. These include:
- Turn2Us — a national charity with a free grants search tool at turn2us.org.uk. Enter your circumstances and it will identify funds you may be eligible for
- The Royal British Legion — offers financial assistance to veterans, serving personnel, and their families, including help with funeral costs
- Trade unions — many unions offer death-in-service or bereavement grants to members and their families. Check whether the deceased was a union member
- Employer schemes — some employers offer compassionate grants or death-in-service payments. Check with the deceased's employer or HR department
- Religious and community organisations — mosques, churches, synagogues, and other faith communities sometimes have hardship funds available to members
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe have become an increasingly common way for families to raise money towards funeral costs. While it requires some digital confidence to set up a campaign, many families find that friends, colleagues, and even strangers respond generously during times of grief. It is worth considering alongside other forms of support.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
If the person who has died had a pre-paid funeral plan in place, this should cover some or all of the funeral costs already agreed in the plan. Check paperwork carefully, or ask us to help you find an NAFD-accredited funeral director who can advise on what a plan covers.
Speak to an NAFD-Accredited Funeral Director
One of the most practical things you can do when facing financial worry about funeral costs is to speak openly with your funeral director. NAFD-accredited funeral directors are required by their Code of Practice to provide a clear, itemised price list and to discuss all available options with you — including lower-cost alternatives. They will never pressurise you into spending more than you can afford.
You can search our directory to find an NAFD member near you, with confidence that every listing has been independently verified and meets strict professional standards.
Planning Ahead: Useful Tools
If you're trying to work out what a funeral is likely to cost before making decisions, our funeral cost calculator can give you a helpful estimate based on the type of service and your location. Understanding the likely costs early gives you the best chance to access the right financial support in time.
A Final Word
Nobody should have to choose between giving a loved one a dignified farewell and keeping a roof over their head. Whether through the DWP's Funeral Expenses Payment, charitable grants, or the support of an understanding funeral director, help is available. Please don't suffer in silence — reach out, ask questions, and let people help you through this.
How Much Is Funeral Expenses Payment in 2026?
Funeral Expenses Payment does not have a single fixed maximum payout — the amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances. However, there are defined limits on specific elements:
- Necessary funeral costs: Paid in full with no upper limit — this includes the funeral director's fees for burial or cremation, the coffin, and transportation of the body within the UK.
- Death certificate and other documents: Covered in full.
- Travel costs: Reasonable travel costs for the person claiming to arrange or attend the funeral are covered.
- Other funeral expenses (flowers, catering, a headstone, etc.): Up to £1,000 towards these additional costs.
The average UK funeral cost in 2026 is approximately £4,000–£5,000 for a basic funeral, meaning Funeral Expenses Payment will rarely cover the full bill. Any money paid out will also be reduced by assets from the deceased's estate, insurance policies, or contributions from other people. Understanding this gap early helps you plan — see our /funeral-cost-calculator/ to estimate your total costs.
How to Apply for Funeral Expenses Payment (Step by Step)
You must apply using the SF200 form (previously known as the BSF1). Here is exactly how to do it:
- Check your eligibility first. Confirm you are receiving a qualifying benefit and that you are the person responsible for the funeral costs.
- Get the SF200 form. You can complete it online at GOV.UK, phone the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 (free, Monday–Friday 8am–6pm), or request a paper form at your local Jobcentre Plus.
- Gather your documents. You will need: the death certificate (or coroner's interim certificate), your National Insurance number, details of the funeral director and their invoice, and details of any money in the deceased's estate.
- Submit before the deadline. You must apply within 6 months of the date of the funeral. Claims submitted after this deadline will be refused, with very limited exceptions.
- Await the DWP decision. Decisions typically take several weeks. If approved, payment is made directly to the funeral director where possible, with any remaining balance paid to you.
If your claim is refused, you have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration. Contact the DWP within one month of the decision letter.
How Long Does Funeral Expenses Payment Take?
Processing times vary, but most claims are decided within 3 to 6 weeks of the DWP receiving your completed SF200 form and all supporting documents. Complex cases — for example, where the deceased left an estate that needs to be assessed — can take longer.
To avoid delays:
- Submit your form as soon as the funeral has taken place — do not wait until close to the 6-month deadline.
- Include all requested documents from the outset. Missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays.
- Keep the funeral director informed that a claim is in progress, so they are aware payment may not be immediate.
If you are struggling financially while waiting for a decision, speak to your funeral director. NAFD-member funeral directors are trained to work sensitively with families in financial difficulty and many will agree a deferred payment arrangement. Use our /find-a-funeral-director/ tool to find an accredited NAFD member near you.
Other Help with Funeral Costs in 2026
If Funeral Expenses Payment doesn't cover your full costs — or if you don't qualify — these additional sources of support are worth exploring:
Bereavement Support Payment
If your spouse or civil partner has died, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment — a separate DWP benefit that pays a lump sum of up to £3,500 (higher rate) followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £350. This is not specifically for funeral costs, but it can ease wider financial pressure after a bereavement. You must claim within 3 months of the death to receive the full amount.
Charitable Grants
- Turn2Us: Use the free grants search tool at turn2us.org.uk to find charitable funds relevant to your situation, employment history, or location. Many people are surprised by what they are eligible for.
- Royal British Legion: If the deceased or a family member served in the armed forces, the Royal British Legion may provide financial assistance towards funeral costs.
- Trade union funds: Some trade unions operate benevolent or hardship funds that cover funeral costs for members or their families.
- Local authority assistance: If there is absolutely no one to arrange or pay for a funeral, the local council has a legal duty under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to arrange a 'public health funeral' (sometimes called a pauper's funeral). Contact your local authority's environmental health or bereavement services team.
Crowdfunding
Platforms such as GoFundMe are increasingly used by families to raise money for funeral costs. Whilst not suitable for everyone, they can supplement other sources of funding, particularly when a large network of friends and colleagues wish to contribute.
Funeral Director Payment Plans
Many NAFD-member funeral directors offer interest-free or low-cost payment plans, allowing costs to be spread over a period of time. This can significantly reduce the immediate financial burden. Always ask your funeral director what options are available — a good funeral director will never leave a family without a solution. /find-a-funeral-director/
