Help with funeral costs

There are certain benefits that you may be able to claim if you have recently lost a loved one.

Funeral payment

If you are on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you may be able to get a one-off Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. You might have to repay some or all of it from the estate of the person who died. Find out more information and how to apply on the Directgov website.

Bereavement allowance

This is a taxable weekly benefit payable if you were aged 45 or over when your spouse/ civil partner died and is payable for up to 52 weeks following their death. To find out if you are eligible and how to claim, visit the Directgov website.

Bereavement payment

If your husband, wife or civil partner has died you may be able to get Bereavement Payment. It is a one-off, lump-sum payment of £2,000 that is tax-free. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, visit the Directgov website.

Widowed parent's allowance

If you are a parent whose husband, wife or civil partner has died and you have at least one child who you receive Child Benefit for, you may be able to get Widowed Parent's Allowance. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, visit the Directgov website.

War widow's or widower's pension

A War Widow's or Widower's Pension is a tax-free pension you may be entitled to if your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty's (HM) Armed Forces or during a time of war. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, visit the Directgov website.

Compare funeral directors

People often lack access to clear information on their funeral options, and pay more than is necessary. Funeral Choice provide free, independent advice to help you find the best local funeral directors and assess their prices. Visit the Funeral Choice website for details.

Alternatively you can go to the Funeralbooker website, the free and impartial comparison site for funeral services in the UK. They work directly with local funeral directors, who declare accurate, itemised pricing. Users simply write in their postcode, select from a few options, such as cremation or burial and then they can choose from a variety of nearby funeral directors based on service level and cost.