There is some statutory financial support available to help with funeral costs.
Funeral benefits often cover less than half of the average cost of a funeral in the UK.
Support from the Social Fund is different in each nation
If you are under state pension age and your partner has died, you may also be eligible for the Bereavement Support Payment
Your benefits eligibility may have changed
If your financial circumstances were connected to the person who has died, your benefits may have been affected, and you may need to make a new application first. If you haven’t already, you could call the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012.
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).
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.
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.
About Down to Earth
Since 2010 we’ve helped over 9,500 people in all corners of the UK to plan meaningful and more affordable funerals.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary across the UK, and differ further depending on the arrangements made.