Can Pensioners Get Help with Funeral Costs

Can Pensioners Get Help with Funeral Costs?

Funerals in the UK can be expensive, often costing thousands of pounds. If you are a pensioner or someone on a low income, paying for a funeral can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there is help available for those who meet certain criteria.

This article explains the financial assistance that pensioners may be able to access for funeral costs, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What help is available for funeral costs?

There are two main sources of financial help for funeral expenses in the UK:

1. Funeral Expenses Payment

2. Bereavement Support Payment

Each type of support has its own rules and eligibility criteria. In addition, some local councils offer help through public health funerals if no one is able to pay.

What is the Funeral Expenses Payment?

The Funeral Expenses Payment is a government scheme that helps people on low incomes with the essential costs of a funeral. It is also known as the Funeral Payment and is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

What does it cover?

This payment can help with:

• Burial or cremation fees

• Certain travel costs

• Death certificates

• Up to £1,000 for other expenses such as a coffin or funeral director fees

It may not cover all the costs, so you might still need to make up the difference.

Who can apply?

To qualify, you must:

• Be receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Universal Credit, or ESA

• Have a close relationship with the deceased, such as being their partner, close relative, or close friend

• Be responsible for the funeral costs

The person who died must have been ordinarily resident in the UK.

How to apply

You can apply:

• Online at www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

• By calling the Bereavement Service helpline

• By post using a Funeral Expenses Payment claim form (SF200)

Applications must be made within six months of the funeral.

What is Bereavement Support Payment?

If your spouse or civil partner has died, you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, a tax-free benefit paid in instalments to help with financial adjustments.

Who can get it?

You may be eligible if:

• Your partner died within the last 21 months

• You were married or in a civil partnership at the time of death

• You were under State Pension age when they died

• The deceased paid National Insurance for a qualifying period

This payment cannot be used for direct funeral expenses, but it can help cover related financial pressure.

Can I get help from my local council?

If no one is able to arrange or pay for the funeral, the local council may step in to provide a public health funeral. This usually covers a simple cremation or burial with minimal ceremony.

The council may later try to recover the costs from the deceased’s estate if possible.

Are there any charity grants or extra support?

Some charities and organisations offer help to older people or those in financial difficulty. These include:

• Turn2us – offers a grant search tool to find local support

• Friends of the Elderly – may help with unexpected costs

• Royal British Legion – offers support for veterans and their families

It is worth checking with local charities, religious organisations, or community groups for further assistance.

Can funeral plans help?

If you are planning ahead, a funeral plan allows you to pay for your funeral in advance. This can ease the financial burden on your family, although it is important to choose a reputable provider and understand what is and is not covered.

Final thoughts

Yes, pensioners can get help with funeral costs, especially if they are receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. The Funeral Expenses Payment can ease the burden, and other support may be available through Bereavement Support Payments, local councils, or charities.

To access this support, it is important to act promptly, gather the necessary documents, and seek advice if you are unsure. Losing a loved one is difficult, and financial help is available to ensure that costs do not add extra stress during such a hard time.