What Does The Funeral Grant From DWP Cover?
- Burial or cremation fees, including the cost a eco friendly Greener Cremation shroud or coffin
- Travel costs for arranging or attending the funeral (one return journey, excluding funeral cars).
- Costs of moving the body within the UK if over 50 miles.
- Up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, coffin, or flowers.
- If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can claim up to £120 for items not covered by the plan.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and the financial burden of arranging a funeral can add significant stress.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK offers a Funeral Expenses Payment, commonly known as a funeral grant, to help ease this burden for those on certain benefits.
This post explores the details of the DWP funeral grant, including eligibility, what it covers, and how it can support families during a difficult period.
We’ll also highlight the services provided by Respect Funeral Services, offering affordable and dignified options to suit various preferences.
What Is the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment?
The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is a government scheme designed to assist individuals on low incomes who are responsible for arranging a funeral.
It’s aimed at those receiving specific benefits, helping to cover essential funeral costs to ensure a dignified farewell without overwhelming financial strain.
The payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of a funeral but provides significant support for key expenses.
It’s available to residents of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland has its own equivalent, the Funeral Support Payment.
The amount awarded depends on individual circumstances, including any funds available from the deceased’s estate or other sources like insurance policies.
Importantly, any payment received may need to be repaid if funds are later released from the deceased’s estate, though personal items or a home left to a surviving spouse or civil partner are not counted.
Who Is Eligible for the Funeral Grant?
Eligibility for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment hinges on several factors, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most.
You or your partner must be receiving one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (with a disability or severe disability element)
- Support for Mortgage Interest loan payments
You can still apply if you’ve submitted a claim for one of these benefits and are awaiting a decision, though the DWP may delay processing your funeral grant application until the benefit claim is confirmed.
Additionally, you must have a specific relationship with the deceased, such as being their partner, parent, or close relative, and it must be reasonable for you to take responsibility for the funeral costs.
The DWP considers factors like the closeness of your relationship and whether other relatives not receiving qualifying benefits could cover the costs.
For example, if a close relative who isn’t on benefits is deemed equally responsible, your claim might be rejected unless you can demonstrate estrangement or other circumstances.
Applications must be made within six months of the funeral, and you can apply before the funeral if you have an invoice from Respect
What Does the Funeral Grant Cover?
The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment helps cover essential funeral costs, though it typically doesn’t cover the full expense of a traditional funeral.
The payment is divided into two main categories: necessary costs and additional expenses.
Necessary Costs
These include:
- Burial fees, including the cost of a specific plot if applicable.
- Cremation fees, and the funeral directors administration fees for completing the required legal forms on your behalf for the cremation.
- Travel costs for a single return journey to arrange or attend the funeral (excluding funeral cars).
- Costs for transporting the deceased over 50 miles, if necessary.
- Fees for death certificates or other documents needed to release the deceased’s assets.
Additional Expenses
The grant also provides a contribution towards other funeral expenses, such as:
- Funeral director’s fees.
- The cost of a Eco friendly Greener Cremation Shroud or coffin, flowers, or other essentials.
This contribution is capped, meaning it may only partially cover these items, especially for more elaborate arrangements. If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, the grant is limited to a smaller amount to cover costs not included in the plan, such as additional services or items.
The exact amount awarded varies based on your circumstances and any funds available from the deceased’s estate, such as savings or insurance policies.
This ensures the payment is tailored to your financial situation, but it also means the grant may not fully cover a traditional funeral’s costs.
How to Apply for a Funeral Grant
Applying for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is straightforward, with options to suit different needs.
BUT Do NOT frustrate yourself by calling the DWP before you have either an interim death certificate or a Registrars death certificate, because they will just be polite and they will never commit to awarding you the grant until the death has been officially registered
The easiest method is to call the DWP Bereavement Service helpline at 0800 151 2012 (or 0800 731 0453 for Welsh language support), available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Alternatively, you can download and complete the SF200 claim form from the GOV.UK website and submit it to a Jobcentre Plus or by post.
For those with hearing or speech difficulties, textphone numbers (0800 731 0464 or 0800 731 0456 for Welsh) and Relay UK services are available.
British Sign Language (BSL) users can access a video relay service via the GOV.UK website.
You’ll need to provide details about your relationship with the deceased, your qualifying benefits, and the funeral costs.
If applying before the funeral, you must submit an invoice from Respect Funeral Services or contract from the funeral director.
The DWP aims to process claims within 13 working days, though it may take longer, especially if you’re awaiting a decision on a qualifying benefit.
As you can imagine because their is no guarantee of how much the DWP will contribute Respect just like any other funeral director need paying before the funeral takes place
If the funeral director hasn’t been paid, the grant is typically paid directly to them; otherwise, it’s deposited into your bank account.
Respect Funeral Services: Affordable and Dignified Options
At Respect Funeral Services, we understand the importance of providing affordable, dignified, and personalised funeral options that align with your needs and values.
Perfectly located to serve Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, we specialise in four distinct services designed to offer flexibility and choice while keeping costs manageable.
Our offerings are particularly suited for those seeking simpler, eco-conscious, or no-fuss arrangements, complementing the support provided by the DWP funeral grant.
Woodland Green Burials
Our woodland green burials offer a full ceremony in a natural, serene setting, perfect for those who value environmental sustainability.
These burials take place in dedicated woodland sites, allowing the deceased to rest in harmony with nature.
The ceremony can be tailored to reflect personal beliefs or preferences, providing a meaningful farewell that’s often more affordable than a traditional funeral.
Direct Burials
For those seeking a no-fuss burial, our direct burial service provides a straightforward and dignified option.
This service involves a burial without a formal ceremony, keeping costs significantly lower while still ensuring respect and care for the deceased.
It’s an ideal choice for families who prefer simplicity or wish to hold a separate memorial event.
Direct Cremations
Our direct cremation service is another no-fuss option, offering a cremation without a ceremony at a substantially lower cost than traditional funerals.
This allows families to focus on their own way of remembering their loved one, whether through a private gathering or a later memorial.
The ashes can be returned to the family or scattered in a meaningful location, offering flexibility and affordability.
By focusing on these streamlined services, Respect Funeral Services ensures that families can honour their loved ones in a way that’s both respectful and financially manageable, especially when supported by the DWP funeral grant.
Traditional Cremations
Traditional cremations can be simple affairs where we all meet at the crematorium on the day of the cremation, offering early morning affordable options, full services where we start the cortege from from home perhaps with accompanying limousines and these could either be on to a church or special separate venue then on to the crematorium for a comital service or from home to a full service at the crematorium.
Other Support Options for Funeral Costs
While the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is a key resource, other avenues can help cover funeral costs.
The Children’s Funeral Fund in England covers burial or cremation fees for children under 18 (or stillborn after 24 weeks), with up to £300 towards a coffin, and is not means-tested.
In Wales, families can claim a contribution towards child funeral costs, while in Scotland, burial and cremation fees for children are often waived.
Local authorities may arrange a public health funeral (a basic cremation) if no other arrangements are possible, though these are limited and may not include extras like flowers or a celebrant. Notification of location of cremation or burial or even the time and date, and No grave marker with a burial and no ashes returned with cremation plus the Councils locally have a 98% success rate in reclaiming the costs from relatives which are much higher than our direct fees to cover court action costs
Charities, such as those linked to specific professions or Age UK, may offer grants for those who don’t qualify for DWP support.
A Budgeting Loan, available to those on certain benefits for at least 26 weeks, can also provide interest-free funds to cover funeral costs, repaid through benefit deductions.
Exploring these options, alongside the DWP grant, can help ensure a dignified farewell without undue financial strain.
Tips for Managing Funeral Costs
To make the most of the DWP funeral grant and keep costs manageable, consider the following:
- Compare Funeral Directors: Prices vary, so request quotes from multiple providers, including those like Respect Funeral Services that offer affordable options.
- Opt for Simplicity: Direct burials or Direct cremations, like those provided by Respect, are often significantly cheaper than traditional funerals.
- Check the Estate: Funds from the deceased’s savings, insurance, or pension can offset costs, though these may reduce the DWP grant amount.
- Seek Advice: Organisations like Citizens Advice or Turn2us can guide you through eligibility and application processes.
- Plan Ahead: Discussing funeral preferences in advance can help avoid unexpected costs and ensure wishes are respected.
- Funeral Plans: At Respect Funeral Services YOU DO NOT have to Pre Pay for a funeral plan, it is not law or compulsory to pre pay for a funeral, Respect can help for free advice.
Conclusion
The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment offers vital support for those on qualifying benefits, helping to cover essential funeral costs during a challenging time.
While it may not cover the full expense of a traditional funeral, it can significantly ease the financial burden, especially when paired with affordable options like those offered by Respect Funeral Services.
Our woodland green burials, direct burials, and direct cremations provide dignified, cost-effective alternatives that align with diverse needs and values.
By understanding eligibility, what the grant covers, and how to apply, you can navigate the process with confidence.
For further guidance or to explore our services, contact Respect Funeral Services today to ensure a respectful farewell for your loved one.
Reach Out Today For Support With A Natural Burial Or Greener Cremation
Ready to explore your options? Contact Respect Funeral Services at 01427 612992 or contact us directly at respectgb.co.uk/contact to learn how we can help you plan a dignified, eco-friendly farewell.
Q&As For DWP Funeral Grants
Q1. Who can apply for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment?
You can apply if you or your partner receive qualifying benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support, and you have a close relationship with the deceased, such as being their partner, parent, or close relative.
The DWP also considers whether it’s reasonable for you to take responsibility for the funeral costs, factoring in other relatives’ circumstances.
Applications must be made within six months of the funeral.
Q2. What costs does the DWP funeral grant cover?
The grant covers necessary costs like burial or cremation fees, travel for arranging or attending the funeral, and document fees. It also provides a capped contribution towards other expenses, such as the coffin, flowers, or funeral director fees, but it may not cover the full cost of a traditional funeral.
Q3. How does Respect Funeral Services help keep funeral costs affordable?
Respect Funeral Services offers woodland green burials, direct burials, and direct cremations, simple affordable cremations, which are substantially cheaper than traditional funerals. These options focus on simplicity and dignity, with eco-friendly or no-fuss services tailored to your needs, complementing the support from the DWP grant.
Q4. Can I apply for the funeral grant before the funeral takes place?
Yes, you can apply before the funeral if you have an invoice from Respect or signed contract from the funeral director. The DWP requires these documents to process the claim, and payments are typically made directly to the funeral director if they haven’t been paid yet.
Q5. Are there other ways to get help with funeral costs if I don’t qualify for the DWP grant?
Yes, options include the Children’s Funeral Fund for those under 18, local authority public health funerals, or grants from charities like Age UK. You may also apply for a Budgeting Loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for at least 26 weeks, offering interest-free funds repaid through benefit deductions.
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After Care
If you need extra help, there are excellent resources available:
- NHS: The NHS offers advice on coping with bereavement, including mental health support. Visit their page on Dealing with Grief and Loss for practical tips and helpline details.
- Respect: the Respect Guide, What To Do When Someone Dies covers benefits like the Bereavement Support Payment.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: A UK charity dedicated to grief, Cruse provides free counselling and resources. Learn more at cruse.org.uk.
- Bereavement Advice: Documents needed for arranging a funeral
- GOV: See if you qualify for a Funeral Expense Payment from the government.
- Funeral Expense Payment Claim Form: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funeral-payment-claim-form
- Childrens Funeral Fund: https://www.gov.uk/child-funeral-costs
- Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
- Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
- Turn2Us: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
