section-c94d0f4
Costs
The costs of a funeral can vary quite considerably and is dependent on whether the funeral is to be a cremation or a burial, which coffin is chosen, and how many limousines and additional services are required
If you’re on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging, you may be eligible for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund if you or your partner are getting any of the following benefits or tax credits
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element
- Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element
To be able to get a Funeral Payment you must also be either:
The partner or parent of the deceased when they died a close relative or close friend of the deceased (and it is reasonable for you to accept responsibility for the funeral costs)
Amount
A Funeral Payment includes the necessary burial or cremation fees. This includes the:
- cost of a new grave
- burial fees
If the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan, you’ll only get help for items not already covered by the plan.
How benefits are paid
If you choose to use the services of a funeral director the Funeral Payment will usually be paid directly into funeral director’s bank account. If the funeral director’s bill has been paid the payment will be made to you.
If your husband, wife or civil partner has died you may be able to get a one-off, lump-sum payment of £2,000 that’s tax-free.
Who can claim?
You may be able to claim Bereavement Payment if your husband, wife or civil partner had paid their National Insurance contributions (NICs) or their death was caused by their job and either:
- You were under State Pension age when they died
- Your husband, wife or civil partner was not entitled to Category A state Retirement Benefit when they died
Amount
The £2,000 payment is a one-off tax-free lump sum.