Can I get help with funeral costs?
Help with funeral costs is available through the government’s funeral payment scheme. This funeral expense payment is for people on low incomes claiming certain benefits. Whilst it doesn’t cover all funeral costs, the funeral payment can help with cremation or burial fees, transportation of the deceased and death certificates.
In addition, the funeral payment also provides up to £1,000 for additional funeral expenses such as the funeral director fees, flowers or the coffin.
You can also get help with funeral costs through the Bereavement Support Payment. This allowance is for bereaved spouses or civil partners under the state pension age. If eligible you receive a one-off bereavement support payment, plus 18 monthly payments, the rates for which depend on whether you have dependent children.
How to save on funeral costs
Funeral costs aren’t cheap and can cause many families serious financial hardship. Looking for ways to save money on the cost of a funeral means you can still give your loved one a send off, without having to break the bank.
Top tips for reducing funeral costs
- Compare prices and get more than one quote
- Choose a cheaper coffin
- Opt for a cheaper cremation time
- Spend less on flowers
- Have the wake at home
- Use your own cars
- Don’t use stationary
- Choose a direct cremation
- Donate your body to science
If you’re looking to plan ahead, a prepaid funeral plan fixes costs at today’s prices, avoiding future inflation if costs rise.
Sharing your wishes will also help your family understand the type of funeral you would like, so they won’t spend money unnecessarily when the time comes.
Frequently asked questions about funeral costs
What is the most expensive part of funeral costs?
The most expensive part of funeral costs is often the funeral director’s costs. However, how expensive a funeral is will also depend on things like the coffin, transportation and burial plot prices.
Who pays for a funeral if there is no money?
If there is no money to pay for a funeral, the local authority has a legal duty to provide a small, dignified service, known as a Public Health Funeral.
Public Health Funerals are usually cremations with a short service for people to attend. The date and time of the service is chosen by the local authority and there are no extras such as viewing, flowers, cars or notices.
Is the next of kin responsible for funeral costs in the UK?
The family or the executor of the estate is usually responsible for paying funeral costs, however they are entitled to claim the money back from the deceased’s estate once settled.
Do the DWP pay for funerals?
The government’s funeral payment scheme can help people on low incomes claiming certain benefits with funeral expenses.
What is a pauper’s funeral?
A pauper’s funeral is a funeral that is paid for by the local council. Thankfully, the term pauper’s funeral is no longer used, having been replaced by the public health funeral.