Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside the emotional impact, arranging a funeral can create significant financial pressure. If you receive certain benefits and are responsible for paying funeral costs, you may be able to receive help through a Funeral Payment.
This guide explains everything you need to know about How to Apply for Funeral Payment, including who qualifies, how much you could receive, what documents you need, common mistakes to avoid and where to find further support.
The information has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance and official sources to help you make informed decisions.
You can apply for a Funeral Payment by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) after the funeral has been arranged. Claims can usually be made online where available or by telephone. You must normally claim within six months of the funeral and usually need to be receiving a qualifying benefit. The payment helps towards burial or cremation costs and may also contribute towards other funeral expenses.
A Funeral Payment is financial assistance provided by the UK Government to help eligible people pay for funeral costs when they are responsible for arranging a funeral and cannot afford the expenses themselves.
It forms part of the Social Fund and is intended to reduce the financial burden placed on families receiving low income benefits.
It is important to understand that a Funeral Payment does not normally cover the full cost of a funeral. Instead, it contributes towards eligible expenses.
Typical costs covered may include:
You may qualify if all of the following apply.
You:
Usually, there should not be another close relative who could reasonably be expected to pay for the funeral.
You may qualify if you were the deceased person’s:
Each application is assessed individually.
To receive a Funeral Payment, you generally need to satisfy several conditions.
Qualifying benefits can include:
Rules may change over time, so always check the latest guidance before applying.
The DWP will normally consider:
Applications normally need to be made:
Missing the deadline could result in your application being refused.
Yes.
Funeral Payment is primarily designed for people on low incomes.
Receiving a qualifying benefit is normally the main financial test.
The DWP will assess your circumstances based on benefit entitlement rather than simply looking at earnings.
| Income Situation | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Receiving Universal Credit | May qualify |
| Receiving Pension Credit | May qualify |
| Receiving Income Support | May qualify |
| Receiving qualifying ESA | May qualify |
| Not receiving qualifying benefits | Usually not eligible |
Savings are not always assessed separately in the same way as some other benefits.
Instead, entitlement generally depends on receiving a qualifying income related benefit.
However, other available funds connected to the deceased may affect the amount awarded.
Examples include:
If money later becomes available from the deceased’s estate, some or all of the Funeral Payment may need to be repaid.
The amount varies depending on your circumstances and the funeral costs involved.
Payments may include:
| Funeral Cost | May Be Covered |
| Burial fees | Yes |
| Cremation fees | Yes |
| Necessary travel | Yes |
| Transport of the deceased | Where eligible |
| Documents | Yes |
| Contribution towards funeral expenses | Fixed contribution subject to current rules |
The final award depends on:
Because funeral costs vary considerably across the UK, many families still need to contribute towards the overall bill.
Applying is straightforward if you prepare the necessary information beforehand.
Arrange the funeral.
You do not always have to wait until the funeral has taken place before making your application.
Gather your documents.
These may include:
Submit your application.
Applications are generally made through the DWP.
Wait for a decision.
The DWP may:
Receive payment.
If approved, payment is often made directly to:
Having the correct paperwork can speed up your application.
Common documents include:
Providing complete information reduces delays.
Many applications are delayed because important information is missing.
Avoid these common mistakes.
Remember that claims generally need to be made within six months after the funeral.
Double check every section before submitting your application.
The payment helps with costs but often does not pay for the entire funeral.
Money available from the estate can affect the final award.
Always retain:
These may be requested later.
Sarah receives Universal Credit.
Her father dies unexpectedly and she arranges the funeral because there are no other close relatives able to do so.
She applies within six weeks and provides all supporting documents.
Outcome:
Sarah qualifies for a Funeral Payment to help with eligible funeral expenses.
Michael arranges his aunt’s funeral but does not receive any qualifying benefits.
Outcome:
He is unlikely to qualify because he does not meet the benefit requirements.
Linda receives Pension Credit.
She pays the funeral bill herself before applying.
Outcome:
If eligible, the payment may reimburse qualifying costs subject to DWP rules.
| Situation | Outcome |
| Receiving Universal Credit | May qualify |
| Receiving Pension Credit | May qualify |
| No qualifying benefits | Usually not eligible |
| Claim submitted after six months | May be refused |
| Complete application | Faster decision |
Yes. In many cases, once the funeral has been arranged, you can begin the application process.
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and whether additional information is required.
Only if you also receive a qualifying benefit and meet the eligibility conditions.
Usually not. It contributes towards eligible funeral expenses.
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility rules and claim within the required time.
Money available from the estate may reduce the amount awarded or require repayment later.
Normally only one eligible person responsible for arranging the funeral can receive the payment.
No. It is not treated as taxable income.
You can ask for the decision to be looked at again if you believe an error has been made.
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, charities, local authorities and other organisations may offer additional support.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:
Some charities provide funeral grants based on occupation, military service or specific medical conditions.
Official guidance is available through:
Always check official Government guidance before making financial decisions because benefit rules can change.
This guide has been written using current UK Government guidance relating to Funeral Payment and associated low income benefits.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, benefit rules, eligibility criteria and payment amounts may change. Individual circumstances are always considered by the Department for Work and Pensions when assessing applications.
Understanding How to Apply for Funeral Payment can make an incredibly difficult time slightly easier by helping with essential funeral costs.
The most important things to remember are:
Applying promptly and providing complete information gives your application the best chance of being processed without unnecessary delays.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
About our information and sources
Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates when there are changes to Universal Credit.