Funeral grants, also known as funeral expenses payments, are financial assistance provided by the UK government to help people who are struggling to cover the cost of a loved one’s funeral.
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to qualify for funeral grants, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- The person making the claim must be responsible for arranging the funeral.
- The person making a claim must demonstrate that they cannot pay for the funeral themselves due to a low income or receiving certain benefits, such as Income Support or Universal Credit.
- The deceased person must have lived in the UK at the time of their death.
- The funeral must be taking place in the UK.
- The funeral must be arranged by a funeral director who is registered with the National Association of Funeral Directors or the National Federation of Funeral Directors.
It’s important to note that if the deceased person had a pre-paid funeral plan, this will usually cover the cost of the funeral, and funeral grants will not be available. In addition, if the deceased person had any money or assets, these will usually be used to pay for the funeral before any funeral grants are provided.
How Much is the Funeral Grant in the UK?
The amount that funeral grants pay in the UK can vary, depending on a number of factors. The current maximum amount of funeral expenses payment is £1,000, as of April 2020. However, the amount paid will still depend on individual circumstances, such as the applicant’s income and assets, as well as the cost of the funeral.
In addition to the funeral expenses payment, there are other sources of financial assistance that may be available, such as bereavement benefits, which are paid to eligible widows, widowers, and surviving civil partners. These benefits are also means-tested and the amount paid will depend on the individual circumstances of the claimant.
Claim Now:
To claim your grant, you need to start by calling the bereavement service helpline:
All numbers are available e from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Number: 0800 151 2012
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456
Deaf/HoH Users: Relay UK 18001 then 0800 151 2012
If you believe you may be eligible for a funeral grant, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified professional, such as a funeral director or a financial advisor. They can provide guidance on how to apply and what other financial support may be available to you.