How Much Is a Funeral Grant from DWP?
Funeral costs in the UK can be significant, often placing financial strain on families already dealing with grief.
To assist low-income households, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides financial support through the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme.
This guide explains how the grant works, who is eligible, how much financial assistance is available, and how to apply.
If you or someone you know is struggling with funeral costs, understanding this support can help ease the burden.
How Does the DWP Funeral Grant Work?
The Funeral Expenses Payment, also known as a Funeral Payment, is a financial aid scheme provided by the DWP to help individuals cover the costs of a funeral if they are receiving certain benefits.
This payment is designed to ensure that low-income families are not left in financial distress when arranging a funeral for a loved one.
Key Features of the Funeral Expenses Payment
- The grant is available to people who receive certain benefits or tax credits.
- It can help cover essential funeral costs, including burial or cremation fees, transportation, and documentation expenses.
- A maximum of £1,000 is available for additional funeral-related costs, such as a coffin, flowers, and funeral director’s fees.
- The payment is made directly to the funeral provider if the bill has not yet been settled, or to the claimant if they have already paid for the funeral.
- The amount awarded depends on individual circumstances, including any available funds from the deceased’s estate, life insurance, or pre-paid funeral plans.
- If the deceased left behind money or property (excluding a home left to a spouse or civil partner), the grant amount may be reduced accordingly.
The Funeral Expenses Payment does not usually cover the full cost of a funeral, so families may need to seek additional financial support from other sources.
If you live in Scotland, you should apply for the Funeral Support Payment, which has replaced the Funeral Expenses Payment in Scotland.
Who Is Eligible for a Funeral Grant?
Not everyone can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment. To qualify, the applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria related to their financial status, relationship with the deceased, and the location of the funeral.
The Applicant Must Be Receiving Certain Benefits or Tax Credits
The applicant (or their partner) must be receiving one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (with the disability or severe disability element)
- Support for Mortgage Interest Loan
If the applicant has applied for one of these benefits but has not yet received a decision, they can still submit a claim for Funeral Expenses Payment.
The Applicant Must Have a Close Relationship With the Deceased
The person applying for the funeral grant must have been responsible for arranging the funeral. The DWP considers applicants eligible if they are:
- The partner (spouse or civil partner) of the deceased.
- The parent of a stillborn baby (after 24 weeks of pregnancy).
- The parent or legal guardian of a deceased child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training).
If another close relative of the deceased (such as a sibling or parent) is working and not receiving benefits, the applicant may not qualify for the grant.
The Funeral Must Take Place in an Approved Location
- The funeral must be conducted in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland to be eligible for the grant.
If the Applicant Is a Close Relative or Friend
In some cases, a close relative or friend of the deceased may qualify for the Funeral Expenses Payment if:
- The deceased did not have a surviving partner at the time of their death.
- The deceased’s surviving partner or parent is unable to claim due to reasons such as residing abroad or being in prison.
Each application is assessed individually, and the DWP determines who is responsible for the funeral costs before approving the grant.
How Much Is a Funeral Grant from DWP?
The total amount provided by the Funeral Expenses Payment depends on various factors, including the funeral costs, the deceased’s estate, and any other available financial resources.
The grant is designed to cover essential funeral expenses, but it does not always cover the full cost.
Breakdown of Expenses Covered by the Funeral Grant
| Expense | Amount Covered |
| Burial fees (for a local authority plot) | Full cost covered |
| Cremation fees (including doctor’s certificate) | Full cost covered |
| Travel costs (for arranging or attending the funeral) | Reasonable expenses covered |
| Moving the body (if the distance is over 50 miles) | Covered |
| Death certificate and legal documents | Covered |
| Additional funeral expenses (coffin, flowers, funeral director’s fees, etc.) | Up to £1,000 |
Key Factors That Affect the Amount Awarded
- If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, the grant will only provide up to £120 for expenses not covered by the plan.
- If the deceased left behind money or property (excluding a house left to a surviving spouse or civil partner), the amount awarded may be reduced accordingly.
- The DWP considers other available financial resources, such as life insurance payouts or charitable contributions, before determining the final payment amount.
Even though the Funeral Expenses Payment helps cover essential costs, it is not guaranteed to cover the full funeral bill.
Families may need to explore additional financial assistance options, such as:
- Bereavement Support Payment (available to spouses or civil partners).
- Budgeting Loans (available to people receiving certain income-based benefits).
- Charitable grants and local council support for funeral expenses.
How to Apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment?
- Applying for a Funeral Expenses Payment requires providing certain documents and following the correct application process.
- The claim must be made within six months of the funeral, even if you are still waiting for a decision on a benefits claim.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including:
- Being responsible for the funeral costs
- Receiving a qualifying benefit
- Meeting the relationship requirements with the deceased
- Ensuring the funeral is being held in the UK, EEA, or Switzerland
2. Gather Required Documents
To support your application, you will need:
- A death certificate or medical confirmation of death
- A funeral invoice (must be an actual invoice, not an estimate)
- Proof of benefits (for yourself or your partner)
- Bank details if you are requesting the payment to be made to you
3. Submit Your Application
You can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment in three ways:
By Phone (Bereavement Service Helpline):
- Telephone: 0800 151 2012
- Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
- Textphone: 0800 731 0464
- Relay UK: Dial 18001 then 0800 151 2012
By Post:
- Download and complete the SF200 claim form from Gov.uk.
- Send it to the address provided on the form.
If You Live in Northern Ireland: The application process differs slightly. Visit nidirect.gov.uk for details.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Funeral Payment from DWP?
The DWP typically processes Funeral Expenses Payment applications within 2 to 4 weeks.
However, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the accuracy of the information provided.
What Can Cause Delays?
- Missing or incomplete documents (such as proof of benefits or the funeral invoice)
- Verification issues (if the DWP needs to confirm details with the funeral provider or other family members)
- Disputes over who is responsible for funeral costs (if multiple people claim responsibility)
If you do not receive a decision within four weeks, you can contact the Bereavement Service Helpline to check the status of your application.
How Is the Funeral Grant Paid?
The way the Funeral Expenses Payment is paid depends on whether the funeral bill has already been settled.
- If the funeral bill has been paid, the grant will be transferred to the applicant’s bank, building society, or credit union account.
- If the funeral bill is unpaid, the money will be paid directly to the funeral director or provider.
If you later receive money from the deceased’s estate, the DWP may reclaim some or all of the grant from those funds.
The deceased’s estate includes any money or property they had, but does not include a house or personal belongings left to a surviving spouse or civil partner.
What If the Grant Doesn’t Cover the Full Cost?
Since the Funeral Expenses Payment is only designed to cover specific funeral expenses, it may not cover the entire funeral bill.
If you find that the grant is not enough, there are several additional financial support options available.
Bereavement Support Payment
This benefit is available to widows, widowers, or surviving civil partners. It provides:
- A lump sum payment
- Monthly payments for up to 18 months
Budgeting Loans
- If you receive certain income-related benefits, you may qualify for a Budgeting Loan to help cover funeral costs.
- This is an interest-free loan provided by the government that can be repaid over time.
Local Council and Charity Assistance
- Some local councils and charities provide additional grants or financial aid to families struggling with funeral costs.
- These vary by location and are usually offered on a case-by-case basis.
Payment Plans from Funeral Providers
- Many funeral directors offer payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of a funeral over time.
- If you are struggling to pay the remaining funeral costs, it is important to explore all available options as early as possible.
Appealing a Funeral Expenses Payment Decision
If your application for a Funeral Expenses Payment is denied or you receive less than expected, you have the right to appeal.
Steps to Appeal a Decision
1. Request a Mandatory Reconsideration
You must ask for a reconsideration within one month of receiving the DWP’s decision.
This involves:
- Writing to the DWP and requesting a review of the decision
- Providing any additional supporting documents that may strengthen your claim
The DWP will reassess your application and provide a revised decision.
2. Appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal
If the reconsideration does not result in a favourable outcome, you can escalate the appeal to a tribunal.
This is an independent legal body that will review the case and make a final decision.
To appeal, you must:
- Fill out an SSCS1 appeal form (available from Gov.uk)
- Submit it to Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
The tribunal process may take several months, so it is important to provide as much supporting evidence as possible when submitting an appeal.
Conclusion
The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment provides crucial financial assistance to those struggling with funeral costs.
While the grant can cover essential expenses such as burial or cremation fees, travel costs, and documentation, it may not always cover the full funeral bill.
To qualify, applicants must be receiving certain benefits and meet specific relationship criteria with the deceased.
The application process requires submitting necessary documents, and claims must be made within six months of the funeral. Processing times typically take 2 to 4 weeks, and if a claim is rejected, there is an option to appeal the decision.
If the grant does not cover all costs, additional financial support may be available through Bereavement Support Payments, Budgeting Loans, local council grants, or payment plans from funeral providers.
For those arranging a funeral and concerned about affordability, applying for a Funeral Expenses Payment as soon as possible can help reduce the financial burden.
For more information, visit Gov.uk or contact the Bereavement Service Helpline at 0800 151 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment before the funeral takes place?
Yes, but you must provide an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director. Estimates are not accepted.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?
The DWP usually processes applications within 2 to 4 weeks, but delays can occur if additional information is needed.
Will the Funeral Expenses Payment cover all funeral costs?
No, the grant covers specific costs, such as burial or cremation fees, and up to £1,000 for additional expenses. It may not cover the full funeral bill.
Can I still apply if I am waiting for a decision on my benefits?
Yes, you can apply while waiting for a decision on your benefit claim, but the funeral payment will only be approved if you qualify for the necessary benefits.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You can request a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision. If denied again, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
Who receives the funeral grant payment?
If the funeral bill is unpaid, the payment is sent directly to the funeral provider. If it has already been paid, the money is sent to the applicant’s bank account.
What if the deceased had savings or an estate?
If the deceased had money or property (excluding a home left to a spouse or civil partner), the grant amount may be reduced accordingly.
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