Paying for a funeral
When the money is due, what help exists, and who can claim it.
We explain our payment terms when we discuss the funeral arrangements, including when the deposit and balance are due.
If you are worried about the cost, please tell us at the arrangement meeting. We can explain our payment terms and signpost you to financial support that may be available.
What our prices include
Our published prices include the crematorium fee where applicable. Burial fees and additional options are charged separately, as detailed in our price lists. You can also build an estimate.
Our deposit and balance payment deadlines are set out in our Terms of Business. We will explain these clearly before you agree to the arrangements.
Payment arrangements are explained before the funeral is confirmed. Please speak to us if you are concerned about meeting the costs.
Funeral Expenses Payment, if you get certain benefits
This is a government payment towards a funeral you are arranging. You or your partner must receive a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Housing Benefit. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the rules in force when you claim.
You must meet the Department for Work and Pensions’ rules about your relationship with the person who died and whether you are responsible for arranging the funeral. Eligibility can depend on whether there are other close relatives who could be expected to contribute.
In some circumstances, another relative or friend who is responsible for arranging the funeral may qualify. The Department for Work and Pensions will assess eligibility under its rules. Check who can claim on GOV.UK.
- The payment may help towards burial or cremation fees, certain travel costs, moving your loved one over a specified distance within the UK and certain other expenses. The amount available towards funeral director charges and other costs is limited. Check the current GOV.UK guidance for the full list of eligible expenses.
- There is a limit on the amount payable towards other eligible funeral expenses, including funeral director charges and items such as a coffin. The amount payable depends on the applicable rules and your circumstances.
- If your loved one had a funeral plan, the amount payable may be limited to eligible costs not covered by that plan. Check the current GOV.UK guidance for the applicable amount.
- You normally have six months from the date of the funeral to claim. Check the current GOV.UK guidance if you are waiting for a benefit decision or are unsure about the deadline.
- The payment is generally made to you if you have already paid the funeral expenses, or directly to the funeral director or other relevant provider if the expenses remain unpaid. The rules on recovering payments from the estate depend on the circumstances.
GOV.UK puts the limit of it plainly, and so do we. The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral. You can find the current application process and contact details on GOV.UK under Funeral Expenses Payment.
The estimate from this website is not the document DWP needs
In some circumstances, you can apply before the funeral if you have the required invoice or signed agreement. Check the current GOV.UK guidance to confirm which documents are accepted.
A website estimate is for planning purposes and may not meet the evidence requirements for a claim.
We will provide the relevant documentation for the agreed arrangements. Please check with the Department for Work and Pensions which document you need to submit.
Bereavement Support Payment is for partners, not for the funeral
If your husband, wife, civil partner or qualifying cohabiting partner has died, you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, which can include a lump sum and up to 18 monthly payments. It is not means tested.
Eligibility depends on your age at the time of your partner’s death, their National Insurance contribution record or other qualifying circumstances, and the applicable rules.
If you were not married or in a civil partnership, additional eligibility conditions apply to qualifying cohabiting partners. Check GOV.UK for the current requirements.
Higher rate
Lump sum: £3,500
Then £350 a monthLower rate
Lump sum: £2,500
Then £100 a month
Apply within three months of your partner’s death to receive the full amount. You may still be able to claim later, but the total payable may be reduced. Check GOV.UK for the current deadline and rules.
A child’s funeral is covered separately
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can cover eligible burial or cremation fees and certain other funeral costs for children under 18. The fund is not means tested, and the funeral director or relevant provider normally applies for eligible costs on your behalf.
Our guide to funerals for babies and children explains our charges and the relevant burial or cremation fees.
Some families pay in advance
A prepaid funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for specified funeral services in advance. Our prepaid funeral plans are provided through Open Prepaid Funerals Limited. Please read the plan terms carefully to understand what is covered.
Probate, and the part we do not do
Probate is the legal authority to administer someone’s estate when required. Whether it is needed depends on the assets, how they were owned and the requirements of the relevant financial institutions. Read about applying for probate on GOV.UK.
You may not need to wait for probate to pay the funeral bill. Many banks and building societies can release funds from the deceased person’s account to pay funeral expenses, subject to their procedures and the documents they require.
The person responsible for applying for probate depends on whether there is a valid will and the circumstances of the estate. We do not apply for probate and we do not give legal or financial advice.
If you need help administering the estate, you may wish to seek advice from a solicitor or another appropriately qualified professional.
Talk to us about the cost of a funeral
We understand that funeral costs can be a concern. Please speak to us openly about your circumstances so we can explain the costs, payment deadlines and any relevant sources of support.
