Funerals for babies, children and young people
Compassionate support and guidance for families arranging a funeral for a child, including information about the services we provide and financial assistance available through the Children’s Funeral Fund.
Nobody should have to arrange a funeral for a child. We will go at whatever pace you need, and you can ring us to talk it through at any hour.
We do not charge for our basic funeral for a child under 16, and the South Shields and Durham crematoria charge nothing for anyone under 18. Anything added beyond the basic funeral is charged as normal.
For Sunderland Crematorium, we check the child rate with the council when we speak.
What the crematoria charge
South Shields Crematorium
No charge for a child aged 17 or under, or for a stillborn baby.
Durham Crematorium
No charge for a child, including a stillbirth, up to 18 years old.
Sunderland Crematorium
We will confirm the current child rate with Sunderland City Council.
The Children’s Funeral Fund
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help pay for a funeral for a child. It is not means tested. The funeral must involve a burial or cremation in England.
A child means under 18, or a baby stillborn after the 24th week.
It covers the burial or cremation fees, including the doctor’s certificate for cremation. The crematorium or the cemetery claims those fees, so you should not be charged.
It also covers a coffin, shroud or casket up to £300, which we claim. The claim is made within six months, and you do not make it yourself.
If there are other funeral costs, you may also be able to get help through Funeral Expenses Payment if you receive certain benefits. There is more on paying for a funeral.
You do not need to work out the funding before you call us. We will explain what is covered and what, if anything, you may need to pay.
