Help from the Government (DWP Payments)

DEPARTMENT OF WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP) 

Help with paying for the funeral costs

If there is no estate to cover the funeral expenses and all close relatives of the deceased are claiming benefits, you may be entitled to help with some of the cost of the funeral. Please bear in mind that the Social Fund will not reimburse the full cost of a funeral.

The Department of Work and Pensions will take your application for help with paying over the phone on 0345 60 60 265 – option #2. To apply by post, contact Jobcentre Plus and ask for the notes entitled ‘Funeral Payment from the Social Fund’ and form SF200 ‘Funeral Payment from the Social Fund’. You can also download these forms from this site:

https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments/overview

If you are not in receipt of benefits and are unable to cover the funeral expenses, explain your position to the hospital or your local council. They will find a dignified solution for you. Please inform the funeral directors of any financial worries and we will do our best to help you.