The full picture
A grant from the Social Fund (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) or Social Security Scotland (Funeral Support Payment) toward the cost of a funeral when you're on a low income.
**England, Wales, NI — Funeral Expenses Payment**: - Reasonable burial fees OR cremation fees including doctors' fees, plus - Up to £1,000 toward other costs (coffin, flowers, funeral director, cars) - Travel to arrange or attend the funeral
**Scotland — Funeral Support Payment**: - £1,257.85 standard payment (rate from October 2025) toward general costs - Up to £150 toward graveyard fees / ashes - Travel costs for one return journey to organise / attend - Removal of medical implants if needed
Who can claim: - You receive a qualifying means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA / ESA, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit with disability element, Child Tax Credit) - You're responsible for the funeral (next of kin, partner, or close family member when no one closer can pay) - The deceased was ordinarily resident in the UK
Claim within 6 months of the funeral. The estate of the deceased may be required to repay the grant if there are sufficient assets.