Funeral Payments

Funeral payments are designed for those on a low income to help with the financial burden of dealing with funeral expenses. For those who have been left money from the person who died, some or all of the funeral payment may have to be repaid.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

There are a number of conditions you must meet in order to successfully make a claim for a funeral payment. These include being in receipt of any of these benefit (s)…

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit (with a disability or severe disability element)
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit

As well as being in receipt of low income benefits, you must also prove that you…

  • Were the partner of the person who has passed away OR a close relative
  • The parent of a stillborn baby (after 24 weeks)
  • The parent of a child that has died (if under 16 or under 20 if in full time education)

How much will I get?

You could get upto £700 which will be paid in one lump sum payment.

This is designed to help with…

  • Burial costs
  • Medical costs
  • Funeral director fees
  • Travel costs

How long do I have to make a claim?

You must make your claim for a funeral payment within 3 months of the person passing away. You can however still make an application if you are waiting to hear back from the DWP regarding other benefit claims.

Restrictions?

There are a number of reasons why your claim maybe unsuccessful. For example…

  • If the deceased had a civil partner, husband or wife at the time they passed away
  • If there is a parent, son or daughter of the person who has passed away who is not receiving any of the qualifying benefits. (This does not include children under 18)
  • There is someone who is deemed a “closer relative” than you who is not in receipt of the aforementioned benefits