What is it for?
This payment covers the cost of certain items or services, plus up to £700 for other funeral expenses, if you are responsible for arranging someone's funeral. It has to be reasonable for you to arrange the funeral and there are rules about who can claim and who else can be help responsible for paying the bill. The funeral must take place in the UK (or sometimes in another European Economic Area country) and you must claim within 3 months.
Do I need to be on benefits?
You can get a Funeral Expenses Payment if you or your partner get:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit (including Second Adult Rebate if you are the second adult)
- Child Tax Credit which includes an amount higher than the family element - you receive more than £545 a year (or £1,090, if you have a child under one)
- Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award
Do I have to pay it back?
No, but the grant might be recoverable from the deceased person's estate.
Find out more about grants and loans from the Social Fund including paying back loans and how to apply
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
22 June 2010
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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