Funeral Expenses Payment: who qualifies and how to apply
A Funeral Expenses Payment is a one-off benefit payment from the Department of Work and Pensions to help with funeral costs. This guide explains who can apply, what it covers, and how to claim.
What is a Funeral Expenses Payment?
A Funeral Expenses Payment is a benefit to help with the cost of arranging a funeral. It is paid by the Department of Work and Pensions to someone who arranges the funeral and meets certain conditions.
It is not a loan. You do not have to pay it back. However, the DWP may try to recover some or all of the payment from the deceased's estate if there are sufficient funds.
The payment covers reasonable funeral costs, up to a set limit. Current limits change, so check gov.uk for the exact figure when you apply.
Who can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment?
You can apply if you are arranging the funeral and you are receiving a qualifying benefit. Qualifying benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit (with a certain income level)
- Working Tax Credit with a disability element
You must also be arranging the funeral as a legal or moral duty. This typically means you are the next of kin, spouse, or partner.
Eligibility of the deceased
The deceased must have lived in the UK when they died. There are also rules about your relationship to them.
You can apply if the deceased was:
- Your spouse or civil partner
- Your parent or stepparent
- Your child or stepchild under age 20
- Your brother, sister, parent-in-law, or other close relative
- Someone else, if no one else is able to make the claim
If you are not related but no one else can arrange the funeral, you may still be eligible.
What does the payment cover?
The Funeral Expenses Payment covers reasonable costs of arranging a funeral. This includes:
- The conduct of the funeral (cremation or burial, including fees paid to the crematorium or burial ground)
- Coffin and basic shroud
- Flowers and wreaths
- Hearse or funeral car (one vehicle)
- Venue hire for a service
- Organist, choirmaster, or person to conduct the service
- Notices in a newspaper
- Travel costs for the person arranging the funeral
- One certified copy of the death certificate
The payment is meant to cover reasonable funeral costs. Luxury items or services beyond what is necessary are not covered.
What the payment does not cover
Some items are specifically excluded:
- Catering or a reception after the funeral
- Flowers beyond standard wreaths and tributes
- Second or subsequent vehicles
- International travel or repatriation of the body
- Temporary grave or vault fee
- Monument or headstone
- Professional organiser or coordinator fees
If the actual funeral costs more than the payment, you are responsible for the difference.
How much will I receive?
The payment covers reasonable funeral expenses up to a set amount. This limit changes periodically and varies slightly depending on your circumstances.
Check gov.uk for the current maximum payment amount when you apply. The actual amount you receive depends on the funeral costs you claim and whether they fall within the limit.
The payment is always less than the full cost of many funerals. You may need to contribute the difference yourself or choose a simpler funeral within the payment limit.
Recovery from the estate
If the deceased left money or property, the DWP may try to recover some or all of the Funeral Expenses Payment from the estate.
This happens during the probate process. If there is a valid will or the deceased dies intestate, money from the estate may be used to repay the benefit.
If there is no money in the estate, the DWP does not pursue recovery. The payment remains yours and does not need to be repaid.
Discuss recovery prospects with the DWP when you claim if you think there may be funds available in the estate.
How to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment
You must apply within 6 months of the funeral date. It is best to apply as soon as possible.
There are two ways to apply:
- Online at gov.uk using your Universal Credit or other benefit account
- Using form SF200, available from gov.uk or your Jobcentre Plus office
You will need to provide proof of the funeral costs, typically a detailed invoice from your funeral director. You will also need to show proof of your benefit entitlement and the death certificate.
Documents you will need
Gather these documents before you apply:
- The death certificate
- Itemised funeral invoice from your funeral director
- Proof of your benefit entitlement (letters or statements)
- Bank details if you want the payment sent to your account
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased if required
Ask your funeral director for an itemised invoice showing each cost separately. This helps the DWP assess your claim quickly.
What happens after you apply?
The DWP will review your application. This typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though it can take longer in some cases.
They may ask for more information if anything is unclear. Once approved, the payment will be sent to your bank account or as a cheque.
If your claim is refused, you will receive a letter explaining why. You can appeal the decision if you believe it is wrong.
If the payment does not cover the full cost
Most funeral costs exceed the Funeral Expenses Payment limit. The difference is your responsibility.
If you cannot afford the shortfall, discuss payment plans with your funeral director. Many will spread costs over several months.
Speak to citizens advice about other financial support you might be entitled to. Some local councils have emergency hardship funds.
You can also consider a lower-cost funeral, such as direct cremation, if budget is a constraint. See our guide on arranging a funeral on a budget for other options.
Contact details and further help
For more information about Funeral Expenses Payments, visit gov.uk or contact Jobcentre Plus.
Citizens Advice can help you understand what you are entitled to and how to claim. They offer free guidance on benefits and financial hardship.
Your funeral director can also advise you on eligibility and help you gather the documents needed for your application.