GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
If you need help with funeral costs, and you live in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, you might be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment (sometimes called Funeral Payment).
When someone close to you dies, sorting out practical tasks may seem daunting and even overwhelming. The costs for a funeral might be unexpected or higher than you expected.
Funeral Expenses Payment is a payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with some of the costs of paying for a funeral. It is for people living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, who are getting certain benefits.
The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral – you might still have to pay for some or most of it yourself. But it can help with burial or cremation fees, travel to the funeral, death certificates and the costs of moving the body.
How do I claim Funeral Expenses Payment?
1. Check you're eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.
2. Apply – how you apply depends on where you live.
If you live in England or Wales:
Apply by phone: call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012; Welsh language: 0800 731 0453; textphone: 0800 731 0464; Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456; Relay UK 18001 then 0800 151 2012; or visit GOV.UK to access the British Sign Language video relay service.
Apply by post: download the form from GOV.UK and send it to the address on the form.
CROWDFUNDING
The help from online donations from family and friends can help meet the costs of a funeral. Lots of people donating small amounts can add up and raise significant amounts.
JustGiving can provide the platform for people to donated towards the funeral expenses.