Facing funeral expenses? Understand UK Funeral Grants (Funeral Expenses Payment) & how they can help. See if you qualify & discover how Variety Funerals™ can guide you. Maximise financial aid & honour your loved one.

Planning a funeral for a loved one is a deeply emotional experience, often compounded by financial considerations. Variety Funerals™ understands the importance of honouring your loved one’s memory while being mindful of costs. This guide explores funeral grants, a financial assistance program offered by the UK government to help ease the burden of funeral expenses for those on certain benefits.

You can learn more about the options available to pay for a funeral in Variety Support to explore resources and options for managing funeral expenses. We can help you plan a meaningful tribute that honours your loved one’s memory.

What are Funeral Grants (Funeral Expenses Payment)?

Funeral grants, also known as Funeral Expenses Payment, are a one-time payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with funeral costs. It’s important to understand that funeral grants typically don’t cover the entire cost of a funeral, but they can provide a significant contribution towards various expenses.

Who is Eligible for Funeral Grants?

Eligibility for funeral grants depends on several factors. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be receiving one or more qualifying benefits: This includes means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and others. A complete list of qualifying benefits can be found on the GOV.UK website.
  • Have a close relationship to the deceased: This includes being a partner (married, civil partnered, or living together as a couple), the parent of a stillborn baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy, or the parent of a deceased child under 16 (or under 20 if in approved education or training).
  • Be responsible for funeral costs: In some cases, close relatives or friends may be eligible if they are responsible for the funeral and the deceased didn’t have a partner or eligible claimant.

What Funeral Expenses Can a Grant Cover?

Funeral grants can contribute towards a variety of costs associated with a funeral, including:

Funeral Expenses Payment can help pay for some of the costs of the following:

  • burial fees for a particular plot
  • cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate
  • travel to arrange or go to the funeral
  • the cost of moving the body within the UK, if it’s being moved more than 50 miles
  • death certificates or other documents

You can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin.

How Much Will I Receive in a Funeral Grant?

The amount awarded through funeral grants depends on your individual circumstances. The DWP considers any other funds available to cover costs, such as savings, money from the deceased’s estate, or a pre-paid funeral plan. The total amount awarded will be the difference between the eligible funeral expenses and the other available funds.

How to Claim a Funeral Grant

Claims for funeral grants can be made by phone or post:

  • Phone: Call the Bereavement Service helpline at 0800 151 2012. They can also assist with claiming other bereavement benefits you may be entitled to.
  • Post: Complete the claim form (SF200) found on the GOV.UK website and mail it to the address provided.

Additional Considerations When Claiming Funeral Grants

  • Time limits: It’s important to act promptly when claiming funeral grants. Claims must be submitted within six months of the funeral, even if you are still waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit.
  • Gathering documents: Be prepared to provide supporting documentation with your claim form, such as proof of your relationship to the deceased, proof of benefits you receive, and funeral cost invoices.
  • Appealing a decision: If your claim for funeral grants is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.

Planning a Funeral with Limited Funds

We understand that planning a funeral can be financially challenging, especially if you have no personal funds available. Here’s how we can help:

  • Funeral Expenses Payment (DWP Grant): If eligible, you may receive a grant from the Department for Work and Pensions to assist with funeral costs. However, although this typically covers the cost of a direct cremation, a simple and dignified option without a formal service the funeral grant is unlikely to cover the full cost of a cremation with an attended service.
  • Variety Funerals™ Options:
    • Variety Solo Package: This plan offers a respectful direct cremation while allowing you to create personalised ways to remember your loved one.
    • Variety Plus Package: This package includes a cremation with a simple service at the crematorium, providing a more traditional setting for a final farewell. While the DWP grant wouldn’t cover the entire cost, the additional expense to be paid typically falls within the range of £300-£600 depending on your specific choices.

Variety Funerals™ is Here to Guide You:

Our compassionate consultants understand that each situation is unique. We can discuss all available options, including funeral grants and payment plans, to create a meaningful tribute that honours your loved one within your budget.

Variety Funerals™ – Here to Help During a Difficult Time

At Variety Funerals™ we understand the emotional and financial challenges associated with planning a funeral. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process, including navigating funeral grants and other financial considerations. We offer a variety of funeral options to suit your budget and can help create a meaningful tribute that honours your loved one’s memory.

Here’s how Variety Funerals™ can assist with funeral planning:

  • Pre-paid funeral plans: Consider securing your wishes and potentially alleviating the financial burden on loved ones by pre-planning your funeral. Variety Funerals™ offers a variety of pre-paid funeral plans that can be tailored to your specific needs and budget.
  • Transparent cost breakdowns: We believe in clear communication and will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all potential funeral costs, including a clear explanation of how funeral grants can be applied.
  • Support with claiming benefits: Our team can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation and understanding the eligibility criteria for funeral grants.

Contact Variety Funerals™

Need immediate guidance? Our compassionate team can answer your questions about funeral grants and help you plan a dignified farewell. We offer free consultations and bespoke quotes, for a personalised and affordable tribute to your loved one.

Planning for the Future? Variety Funerals™ is here to help. Discuss pre-paid funeral plans to ensure your wishes are met and ease the burden on loved ones.