Help with Funeral Costs

The death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most stressful and emotional times anyone can experience. For some of us, it can also bring additional financial worries. There is help available with funeral costs and financial support for up to 18 months after a bereavement.

Funeral Expenses Payment

You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging. If you're unsure about your eligibility, Age UK North Tyneside can provide you with a free benefits check. Call us on 0191 280 8484 or get in touch online.

Funeral Expenses Payment can help pay for some of the costs of the following:

• burial fees for a particular plot
• cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate
• travel to arrange or go to the funeral
• the cost of moving the body within the UK, if it’s being moved more than 50 miles
• death certificates or other documents

You can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin.

The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral.

How much you get depends on your circumstances. This includes any other money that’s available to cover the costs, for example from an insurance policy or the deceased person’s estate.

How to apply

You must apply within 6 months of the funeral, even if you’re waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit.

You can make a claim before the funeral if you’ve got an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director. It cannot be an estimate.

You can claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012. You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form on the Government website, then send it to the address on the form.

Age UK North Tyneside's Information & Advice team can offer advice and support with completing the form.

If approved, Funeral Expenses Payment is paid into your bank, building society or credit union account if you’ve already paid for the funeral. The money will be paid directly to the organiser of the funeral (for example, the funeral director) if you have not paid yet.

Bereavement Support Payment

If your partner has died, you may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment.

Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested. This means what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.

You can apply for Bereavement Support Payment online, by calling the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012 or by post. The apply by post, you will need to download a Bereavement Support Payment form and send it to the address on the form.

For help applying, call our Information & Advice team on 0191 280 8484 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.