Grants towards funeral costs
When money from the estate of the person who has died and government support isn’t available for the funeral costs, or simply isn’t enough, you may be able to get a financial grant.
Charities all have their own eligibility criteria, including whether it is the applicant or the deceased person who should have the work history, so it’s worth phoning their helpline or reading their website to check if you are eligible before completing a long application form.
Grant-giving charities, benevolent funds and other organisations may be linked to the work or profession of the person applying, or of the person who has died. Others offer financial support based on things like your age, where you live, your gender or your nationality.
The amount of money available varies between organisations. Some smaller charities may only be able to contribute a modest amount, while larger ones may be able to offer more. When deciding how much to award, charities often take into account things such as financial circumstances and how long someone spent in a particular occupation.
If you are eligible, it is usually possible to apply to more than one charity at the same time, as they may be able to share the cost of the funeral. You should let each organisation know about any other applications you have made.
How to apply
Many charities accept applications online via their website or a dedicated portal, while others require an e-mail, letter or for you to call their helpline. It’s important to check what documents you will need to submit with your application, and may be helpful to get them together before completing any application forms.
Generally, you will need a copy of the funeral director’s bill and recent bank statements. Charities and organisations connected to work are likely to need documents to show that you have worked in a particular role or industry, for example payslips or P60s.
When making your application it’s helpful to be clear what you are asking for help with, how much it will cost, and what other help you have applied for or got.
How to find a grant-giving organisation
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.
Internet search
Internet search
A search using keywords, such as your job title or industry can help you find appropriate charities.
Check the Turn2Us grants search tool
Check the Turn2Us grants search tool
Under the ‘search for a grant’ section, you can enter details about yourself, including your age, postcode, religion, nationality and past or current work and employment. You’ll then get a list of charities which you may be able to apply to for help. Have a look at each one and make sure to check the eligibility criteria.
Turn2Us grants search
Use the Lightning Reach portal to search for grants
Use the Lightning Reach portal to search for grants
Create a one-time profile with details about yourself, including your age, postcode and any past or current work and employment. You’ll then get a list of charities which you may be able to apply to for help. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria before making an application through the portal.
https://bit.ly/3LBr9tV
Lightning Reach portal
Trade unions
Trade unions
Are you, your partner or a close family member who is helping with the bill a member of a trade union? If so, contact the union welfare department to ask about possible financial support schemes they have.
If the person who has died was a member of a trade union, contact them to find out if there are any death benefits due.
Other guidance for anyone struggling with a funeral bill
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).
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.
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?
The average cost of the attended funeral SunLife tracks is £4,285, though less expensive options are available.
Photo credits: Cottonbro Studios, RDNE Stock Project and Mikhail Nikov on Pexels