Financial support
How we can help
Losing a loved one is extremely difficult and the rising costs associated with funerals can make this challenging time even more stressful.
Brent Council Funeral Service offers a low-cost funeral option with the comfort of knowing that care and quality isn’t compromised.
However, there may be additional help available to meet the costs:
You could get Funeral Expenses Payment (also called Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging. The payment usually won’t cover all the costs of the funeral.
If you receive money from the deceased’s estate
Your Funeral Expenses Payment will be deducted from any money you get from the deceased’s estate. The estate includes any money or property they had but not a house or personal things left to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner.
What you'll get
Funeral Expenses Payment can help to 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 £700 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin.
The payment usually won’t cover all of the costs of the funeral.
How much you get depends on your circumstances. This includes any other money that’s available to cover the costs, for example from an insurance policy or the deceased person’s estate.
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
How the money is paid
Funeral Expenses Payment is paid into your bank, building society or credit union account if you’ve already paid for the funeral. The money will be paid directly to the organiser of the funeral (for example, the funeral director) if you haven’t paid yet.
How to claim
Claim by phone by calling the Bereavement Service helpline.
Bereavement Service helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Quaker Social Action offers a unique Down to Earth service which aims to ensure that no one faces unnecessary debt or distress due to high funeral costs.
https://www.quakersocialaction.org.uk
Contact Down to Earth - tel: 020 8983 5055
Email: downtoearth@qsa.org.uk
They offer pre-funeral advice also help with debt after the funeral has taken place.
Need help?Speak to us