17/04/2026
HELP WITH FUNERAL COSTS.
Last week I posted information of Direct cremations and the need to look carefully at what is being offered by some of the companies that advertise on TV, social media and through your letterbox.
Many people who choose direct cremations do so because they want to save on funeral costs. I received a lot of engagement on the post and the subject clearly landed with a lot of people - both positively and negatively.
Today, I thought it might be helpful to highlight the financial help that is available for people who have no funds for a funeral.
FIRSTLY, WHO PAYS FOR THE FUNERAL OF A LOVED ONE?
Well, put simply, the person who has died. The Government expects funeral costs to be paid from the deceased’s estate. This will be any money in their bank/building society account, insurance payouts and any property they own - but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.
If the costs cannot be covered in this way, then it is expected that the family of the deceased with cover the costs. If the family do not have enough funds for this, then the Government will assist with the cost of a funeral, but only if the family are on certain benefits. HOWEVER, no one is legally obliged to pay for a funeral! If you cannot pay and you are not eligible for Government help, then the deceased will have a Public Health Funeral - more of which later.
At this point, I must underline that no one should ever arrange a funeral with a funeral director if they are unable to meet the costs. The person who engages the funeral director will be liable for the costs. So please, if you are unsure about the finances, speak to the Funeral Director straight away and let them point you in the right direction for help.
SO WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?
If the deceased’s estate will not cover the funeral and you are the partner, close friend or relative of the person who died and if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing benefits (and some other benefits), you can apply to the Government for help with the costs of the funeral. You may also be able to get help with funeral expenses if the deceased did not have a partner.
In addition to this, you can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin by way of an additional payment called the Funeral Expenses Payment. Any payments will not usually cover all of the costs of the funeral.
WHAT IF I JUST CAN’T MEET THE PAYMENTS?
There are other funds available that people often don’t know about about. For example, the civil service (prison officers, job centre, border control) and military have Benevolent funds for their past members and workers. So if your family member has been in this type of role at some point in their life, it is worth reaching out to their benevolent funds.
Again, if you really can’t afford, or indeed don’t want to pay for someone’s funeral then you can apply for a Public Heath Funeral.
I will post links in the comments, to websites that give more information for those that would like to explore further.
Please don’t feel alone if you are worried, feel free to reach out or ask questions.
