The grant doesn’t cover every cost associated with a funeral, but it can significantly ease the financial strain. It won’t affect any other means-tested benefits you receive. If you meet the criteria, it’s worth applying to see how much support you can get.
The funeral expenses payment isn’t available to people living in Scotland, but the Scottish Government operates a similar fund called the funeral support payment.
How much is a funeral grant from DWP?
The exact amount the DWP will pay towards a funeral varies depending on your circumstances and the cost of the funeral. But, on the whole, the grant is meant to cover the essentials – it won’t usually cover all of the costs.
The payment can contribute towards burial fees, the costs of cremation (including the doctor’s certificate), and travel necessary for you to arrange or attend the funeral.
The funeral grant could also cover some of the cost of moving a body within the UK if it’s being moved more than 50 miles, as well as death certificates and other necessary paperwork.
You could also claim up to £1,000 for any other expenses – that might mean the cost of a coffin, flowers or fees for the funeral director. The government details everything covered by the funeral expenses payment online.
The total you receive could vary if there is an insurance policy already in place, or if the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan. If you inherit money or property from them, anything you receive through the funeral expenses payment will be deducted from that.
What the government isn’t supposed to do when calculating how much they can deduct from the funeral grant is include any benefits paid into the deceased person’s account on or after the day they died – it’s important to keep an eye on that in case you’re incorrectly paid less via the funeral grant than you should be.
Who can claim it?
The DWP funeral grant is targeted at people who are responsible for arranging the funeral and who meet certain conditions. To qualify, you must be receiving one or more of the following benefits: universal credit; income support; jobseeker’s allowance (income-based); employment and support allowance (income-related); pension credit; housing benefit; child tax credit; or working tax credit (disability element). You might also qualify if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
The government will also consider how close you are to the deceased, but problems can arise if there are other close relatives not receiving a qualifying benefit – this can often mean your claim is rejected, even if you can prove that you were the one to organise the funeral and even if their relationship to the person who passed away wasn’t as close.
How do I claim my DWP funeral grant?
If you want to apply for the funeral expenses payment, you must do so within six months of the funeral. That applies even if you’re waiting for a decision on your claim for a benefit that would make you eligible for the funeral grant. People already receiving universal credit won’t get a decision on their application for the funeral grant until after their next DWP payment.
You can claim before the funeral, but it won’t be awarded for estimated costs – you need to show the DWP an invoice or contract for the funeral.
The quickest way to apply for a funeral expenses payment is by phone – call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012.
You can also claim by post, by completing the form and sending it (alongside any supporting documents) to Freepost DWP Funeral Payments. You don’t need to use a stamp or postcode. Alternatively, you can hand it in to your nearest jobcentre.
You can’t fill in the form using a smartphone or tablet, and must use a desktop computer or laptop – or print it out and complete it by hand.
Be ready to provide proof of your benefits claim, details of the deceased’s estate and any funeral plans already in place, and receipts or quotes for the funeral.
If you’re denied the grant and you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a written statement of why you were turned down. If you still think the decision was wrong, you can then ask for what’s known as a mandatory reconsideration – which essentially means the DWP will assess your application from scratch. You only have a month to dispute the decision.
If you’re refused again and believe this is wrong, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
When helping with funeral costs, the DWP will pay the money into your bank or building society account if you’ve already paid for the funeral out of your own pocket – if you haven’t, they might pay directly to the funeral director.
Getting help with funeral costs if you’re not on benefits
If you’re not receiving benefits, there are other options if you’re struggling to pay for a funeral.
Some local councils offer public health funerals for those who have no relatives able to pay or who left no financial assets. While these are often very basic services, they can provide a respectful way to lay a loved one to rest without taking on personal debt.
Charities can also be a lifeline. Turn2Us offers a grants search tool which allows you to research which funds might be available to you to help cover some funeral costs.
Religious groups, trade unions and community organisations might also have grants available, so it’s worth reaching out to any relevant bodies connected to you or your loved one.
Quaker Social Action, which campaigns with and for people on low incomes, offers a helpline for people who need advice on funeral costs and detailed guides on how to navigate the costly funeral process.
You should also set aside time to check if you’re newly entitled to any benefits following your bereavement, which could make a difference not just to funeral costs but your continued income.
Can pensioners get help with funeral costs?
Pensioners might be eligible for help with funeral costs if they’re receiving pension credit or other qualifying benefits.
If you’re a pensioner but not receiving pension credit, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for pension credit itself as this can open the door to further financial support.
For pensioners who don’t qualify for the DWP funeral grant, alternative options like council assistance or charity funding may still be available. Some organisations focus specifically on helping older people with funeral costs, so don’t hesitate to seek advice from groups like Age UK or Citizens Advice.
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