Loss and Bereavement Support and Funding Links

These charities can offer a wide range of support – they have practical ideas on their websites and access to counsellors at the end of a phone or on-line.

Mind   Cruse   Sue Ryder   Marie Curie

Charities and Bodies that Help With Funeral Costs

HM Government Bereavement Support Payment: a one-off payment of £2,500 or £3,500. This is followed by 18 monthly payments of £100 or £350. (Correct in August 2025)

You can apply if you are a spouse or civil partner of the person who has died and:

• You were under the state pension age when your partner died
• You were living in the UK when your partner died
• Your spouse or partner made a certain amount of National Insurance contributions or died in a work-related incident

A claim must be made within three months of your partner’s death. You can do this over the phone, by post or online www.gov.uk. You can still claim up to 21 months after the death, but any payments will be less.

The Funeral Guide Blog has links to occupational-related grants and funding

The Farewell Guide also has useful links and information.

If you or the person who died was a care worker, you could apply for a crisis grant from the Care Workers Charity.

Friends of the Elderly offer grants of up to £400 for unexpected bills like funeral costs. You must live in England or Wales, be over state pension age and on a low income with little savings. Speak to a referral agent like Citizens Advice to apply.

Down to Earth run a free funeral costs helpline. They can advise you on how to find the money for a funeral. They can also help to assess whether you are eligible for government support.