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Funeral Expenses Payment

Help with the cost of a funeral for someone on certain means-tested benefits. Up to £1,000 toward general costs plus reasonable burial / cremation fees in England, Wales and NI. Scotland uses Funeral Support Payment with similar rates.

Official linksLast verified 29 April 2026

Who it helps

People on a qualifying means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Housing Benefit, certain Tax Credits) who are responsible for arranging a funeral.

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.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • England/Wales/NI: up to £1,000 toward general costs + reasonable burial/cremation fees
  • Scotland: ~£1,257.85 standard payment + £150 graveyard / ashes + travel
  • You must claim within 6 months of the funeral
  • The deceased's estate may be required to repay the grant if there are sufficient assets
  • Travel costs to organise or attend the funeral are covered
  • You don't have to be the partner — being responsible for the funeral as a close relative is enough
  • Quicker decisions (4–8 weeks) than older Funeral Payment scheme
  • Stack with Bereavement Support Payment if you're a surviving partner
  • Check funeral plans / pre-paid plans first — a prepaid plan disqualifies the grant for the funeral itself

How to claim

England/Wales/NI: form SF200 from gov.uk/funeral-payments. Scotland: apply on mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment. You'll need the death certificate, the funeral director's invoice (or estimate), proof of your benefit, and proof of your relationship to the deceased. Decisions usually take 4–8 weeks.

Apply for Funeral Expenses Payment (nidirect)

Independent advice

More help is out there

If your situation is complex, these UK-wide charities and government services can give free, independent advice.

Last verified 29 April 2026
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