My mother died two days ago. She was a French citizen as am I and indicated that she wished to be laid to rest in her home town in France. I am an only child and am not able to manage the expense all by myself. She does not have any insurance. As my mother is an EU citizen, am I eligible to claim help with funeral expenses?

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.

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

If there’s a close relative of the deceased who is not getting one of these benefits, you might not be able to claim Funeral Expenses Payment.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

you get certain benefits or tax credits

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

Income Support

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

Pension Credit

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

Housing Benefit

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

Child Tax Credit

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

Universal Credit

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

You must be one of the following:

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.

How it works

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you live in Scotland

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment. It has replaced Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.

If you receive money from the deceased’s estate

Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate.

The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

What you’ll get

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.

Check the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only get up to £120 to help pay for items not covered by their plan.

How the money is paid

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.

Eligibility

You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

you get certain benefits or tax credits

you meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased

you’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

Benefits and tax credits you must get

You (or your partner) must get one or more of the following:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit

You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you were responsible for a deceased child but you’re not their parent, the non-resident parent must get one or more of these benefits.

Rules on your relationship with the deceased

You must be one of the following:

the partner of the deceased when they died

a close relative or close friend of the deceased

the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy

the parent or person responsible for a deceased child who was under 16 (or under 20 and in approved education or training)

You might not get a Funeral Expenses Payment if another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is in work.

If the funeral will take place in the EEA or Switzerland

Contact the Social Fund to check if you’re eligible.

Make a claim

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.

If you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your claim until after your next payment.

There’s a different way to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

How to claim

Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.

An adviser will also help you claim any other bereavement benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also claim by post. Download and fill in the claim form (SF200), then send it to the address on the form.

Appeal a Funeral Expenses Payment decision

You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision about Funeral Expenses Payment.