Money
Funeral Expenses Payment: government help with funeral costs
Last updated 30 April 2026
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a means-tested grant from the Department for Work and Pensions for people on certain benefits who are responsible for arranging a funeral. It typically pays £1,000 toward funeral director’s charges plus the necessary burial or cremation fees in full. It does not cover everything — but it can be a meaningful step toward a manageable funeral.
Who can apply
You may qualify if you, or your partner, receive one of these benefits:
- Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based JSA/ESA.
- Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit.
- Working Tax Credit (with disability or severe disability element) or Child Tax Credit.
You also need to be the partner, close relative, or close friend taking responsibility for the funeral, and the relationship must meet the DWP’s criteria — most commonly partner or parent.
What it pays
- Burial or cremation fees in full (the third-party fee paid to the cemetery or crematorium).
- The cost of moving the body more than 50 miles, where applicable.
- Up to £1,000 toward other funeral director’s charges (coffin, hearse, professional services).
How to apply
Apply via GOV.UK or by phone to the Bereavement Service helpline. You can apply before the funeral or up to six months after. The funeral director’s itemised invoice is required as part of the claim.
What it doesn't cover
The grant doesn’t cover the full cost of an attended funeral in most cases. The £1,000 cap on funeral director’s charges typically falls well short of a traditional service. If a direct cremation is otherwise acceptable to the family, it’s often a better fit with the level of support available.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
It pays the burial or cremation fee in full, plus up to £1,000 toward the funeral director's other charges. It also covers some travel costs in specific situations.
Can I apply if I'm on Universal Credit?
Yes, Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits — provided you also meet the relationship criteria with the deceased.
Will the payment cover everything?
Usually not for an attended funeral. It does cover most or all of a basic direct cremation when the cremation fee plus a £1,000 contribution is enough to settle the funeral director's bill.
How we keep this trustworthy
Source
Guides combine Funeral Cost Index data with primary public sources. They are written for comparison and signposting, not as financial, legal or bereavement advice.
Freshness
Last data check: 30 April 2026. Based on published CMA Standardised Price Lists where available.
Accountability
We do not arrange funerals, sell paid rankings, or accept commission for placement. Corrections are reviewed against the provider’s public price list.
Primary sources
Prices can change and packages differ. Always confirm the current price, what is included, availability, and any third-party costs directly with the funeral director before deciding.
Publisher credentials
Funeral Cost Index is published by Peter Langdon FCA through Indexeli Intelligence Limited. Peter is listed in ICAEW’s Find a Chartered Accountant directory, and the project applies an accountancy-led approach to public-interest price transparency, source evidence, correction handling, and clear separation between captured prices and estimates.
View Peter Langdon’s ICAEW directory profile · ICAEW does not endorse, verify, or operate Funeral Cost Index.
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