If you need financial help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging and you are on a low income, you may be able to get a lump sum payment from the Social Fund to cover funeral expenses.

If you are claiming benefits you may qualify for a Funeral Payment but it depends on the exact benefits you are receiving plus your relationship with the deceased.

To qualify for a Funeral Payment you must be:

• the spouse or partner of the deceased at the time they died
• the parent or guardian of the deceased child
• the parent of a still-born child
• a close friend or relative of the deceased person where the responsibility for the funeral expenses is met by you.

The payment will cover the burial or cremation fees etc, plus up to £700 to cover any other necessary funeral costs, such as the funeral director, the coffin or flowers. If the person who died has left an estate then you may have to repay some or all of it from the estate.

The payment is usually sent to you by cheque, made out to the funeral director.

Contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus office to make a claim.