From Hearse

The death of a loved family member or friend, whether expected or not, is a source of great sadness.

Aside from processing and beginning to deal with grief, the cost of paying for a funeral can be a frightening proposition. Help is available, though.

Funeral Expenses Payment

This is government-funded through the DWP. Full details are available below.

If you are eligible you may get help with some of the costs of the following:

  • Burial fees for a particular plot
  • Cremation fees
  • Travel to arrange or go to the funeral
  • The cost of moving the deceased within the UK, if moving more than 50 miles
  • Death certificates or other documents
  • You can also get up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or a coffin.

The payments will not, however, usually cover all of the costs of the funeral.

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Eligibility

You may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment if all of the following apply:

  • You get certain benefits or tax credits
  • You meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased
  • You’re arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

Find out more here.

How to apply

The best way to apply is by phone. Call the Bereavement Service helpline free on 0800 731 0469

Alternatively you can fill in the claim form (SF200) and send it to the address on the form.

Click to print or download the whole of the Funeral Expenses guide.


You might be able to get other help to pay for the funeral if you’re not eligible for the Funeral Expenses Payment.

Whatever the situation, and regardless of your circumstances, we are here to help.

Call our team on 01209 211684 for our Redruth branch or 01736 362781 for our Newlyn branch for help and advice.