Funeral costs worry many people
There are various ways you can keep costs down, and sources of funding you can explore to get the help you need.
Follow it carefully to ensure you don't miss or rule out any potential financial support.
The guidance covers five areas that may help you to pay for funeral costs
Money from the estate
Carefully look through the deceased person’s paperwork to try and identify all the different accounts they may have had and to see if anything suggests they had any insurance policies or private pensions (not the state pension).
Grants from charities and benevolent funds
There are grants related to work and professions that can help with unpaid funeral bills, as well as charities related to characteristics such as your age, gender or nationality, or where you live.
Crowdfunding
Online donations from family, friends and even strangers who just want to help can reduce funeral debt.
Repayment plans and loans
Funeral directors often need part payment to cover third party costs, called disbursements, before the funeral can go ahead.
Help with funeral costs
More information about help available with funeral costs can be found in our Raising money towards funeral costs guide.
How do I raise money for a funeral?
How do I raise money for a funeral?
There are many ways that people choose to raise money for a funeral. If there isn’t enough, or any money in the person’s estate, the person arranging the funeral may be eligible for government funeral payments, charitable grants, or may consider crowdfunding.
Can I get help with funeral costs if I work?
Can I get help with funeral costs if I work?
If you are receiving a means-tested benefit, you may be eligible for government support. If you’re not eligible, or if you need more assistance, you may be eligible to apply to a grant-giving charity for financial support.
There are many benevolent funds connected to different areas of work. You can use the Turn2Us grants-search to help, Lightning Reach, or search on the internet.
If your spouse or cohabiting partner has died, and you are under state pension age, you may be eligible for the Bereavement Support Payment, which isn’t means-tested.
Can I get help with funeral costs if I'm not on benefits?
Can I get help with funeral costs if I'm not on benefits?
Whilst government support isn’t available if you are not receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit, you may be eligible to apply to grant-giving charities for assistance. Charities will often require that an applicant is receiving all benefits that they are entitled to, as they are not a substitute for statutory services.
If your spouse or cohabiting partner has died, and you are under state pension age, you may be eligible for the Bereavement Support Payment, which isn’t means-tested.
Can pensioners get help with funeral costs?
Can pensioners get help with funeral costs?
Pensioners can get help from the government with funeral costs if they are receiving a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. They may also be eligible to apply to charities for grants towards funeral costs, including some charities specifically for older people.
UK Funeral costs helpline
If you need more support, and the funeral has not yet taken place, our helpline team can offer free and confidential advice if you are struggling with the cost of organising a funeral anywhere in the UK.
More from Down to Earth
Reducing funeral costs
Guidance on the various ways you can keep costs down when planning a funeral now or in the future.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary across the UK, and differ further depending on the arrangements made.
UK funeral cost helpline
If you are finding it difficult to pay for a funeral that has not yet taken place, we may be able to help.