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Practical Help
- Pre-Death PlanningGetting prepared ahead of time when expecting a death.
  - Estate PlanningHow to prepare and distribute left assets.
  - Will Writing ServicesThe importance of writing will and a review of the Will writing options.
  - Trust FundsInformation on various types of trust funds that can be set up.
  - Lasting Power of AttorneyA step-by-step guide on how to appoint an LPA and the importance of doing so.
  - Covering Funeral CostsGet help for funeral arrangement costs.
  - Finding a Suitable Funeral DirectorGet help organising and planning a funeral.
- What to Do After a DeathStart here for step-by-step advice following a death.
  - Checklist When Someone DiesPractical and actionable step-by-step quick guide (PDF).
  - Notifying Organisations ChecklistStep-by-step quick guide on notifying organisations after a death (PDF).
  - Registering a DeathWho to contact to register a death.
  - When Coroner is InvolvedAn explanation of the coroner’s process and their involvement.
  - Finding a Funeral DirectorGet help finding a suitable director to arrange a funeral.
  - Covering Funeral CostsGet help paying for a funeral.
  - Paying Inheritance TaxHelp on when and how to pay inheritance tax.
  - Benefits CalculatorFree assessment of benefits you may be entitled to.
  - Stopping Junk Mail After Someone DiesHow to reduce mail and correspondence to the address of a deceased person.
- Dealing with the EstateWhat needs to be done whether or not probate is needed.
  - Executor of Will DutiesList of duties required by the distributor of the deceased’s estate.
  - Making Changes to InheritanceChanging how inheritance is distributed at this stage requires a Deed of Variation
  - Inheritance TaxWhen and how to pay inheritance tax.
  - Deed of VariationChange details about how inheritance is distributed.
- Probate SupportStart here if you need help or have been told you need probate.
  - Quick Guide to England & Wales ProbateChecklist of what is required for probate in England & Wales in PDF format.
  - Quick Guide to Probate in ScotlandChecklist of what is required for probate (confirmation) in Scotland in PDF format.
  - Getting Help with ProbateHelp for those unclear on the probate process.
  - Grant of ProbateHow to get a grant of probate and when you need one.
  - Probate in Northern IrelandAdvice for Northern Ireland residents needing help with probate.
  - Probate in Scotland (Confirmation)Advice for Scotland residents needing help with probate, known as ‘Confirmation’.
  - DIY ProbateHow and when to carry out probate by yourself.
  - Selling a Probate PropertyAdvice on the process of selling a property in probate.
  - Probate FeesGuidance and advice on the fee costs you may incur in during the probate process.
  - Problems With ProbateAdvice on problems and disagreements that can arise during probate.
  - Probate Case StudiesOutcomes for those we have assisted with probate matters (PDF).
- Problems & ComplicationsAdvice on challenging practical situations that can arise.
  - Sudden BereavementGuide on living with grief in a printable, PDF format.
  - Laws of IntestacyDetermines who is entitled to inheritance by law.
  - Debts after DeathWhat happens to debts after someone dies.
  - Inheriting DebtThe circumstances where someone may inherit the debts of the deceased.
  - Bona VacantiaWhen there is no living blood relatives, ownerless assets default to the crown.
  - Find Unclaimed Assets of a Deceased PersonHelp for finding unclaimed assets left in wills or from dying intestate.
Emotional Help
- GriefNavigating and managing the experience of grief.
  - Managing GriefGet ideas on managing the experience of grief.
  - Living with GriefQuick guide on living with grief in a printable, PDF format.
  - Traumatic BereavementHelp for managing a traumatic bereavement or PTSD associated with bereavement.
- Specific RelationshipsSupporting grief for relationships and partnerships.
- Supporting OthersHelping others through their bereavement.
  - Supporting ChildrenGet help for explaining the loss of a grandparent or elderly relative to a young child.
  - Supporting EmployeesHelp for employers on how to support employees through bereavement.
- Sharing the NewsHelp with communicating bereavement.
  - Social Media MemorialisationHow to create memorialised social media accounts.
  - Explaining to Young Children
- Getting Help & CounsellingUseful organisations for emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
  - Useful OrganisationsDirectory of organisations who specialise in counselling and emotional support.
Workplace & Training
About NBS
- About NBS
- Donate
- News
- Research
Get Free Practical Advice

Practical Help
- Pre-Death PlanningGetting prepared ahead of time when expecting a death.
  - Estate PlanningHow to prepare and distribute left assets.
  - Will Writing ServicesThe importance of writing will and a review of the Will writing options.
  - Trust FundsInformation on various types of trust funds that can be set up.
  - Lasting Power of AttorneyA step-by-step guide on how to appoint an LPA and the importance of doing so.
  - Covering Funeral CostsGet help for funeral arrangement costs.
  - Finding a Suitable Funeral DirectorGet help organising and planning a funeral.
- What to Do After a DeathStart here for step-by-step advice following a death.
  - Checklist When Someone DiesPractical and actionable step-by-step quick guide (PDF).
  - Notifying Organisations ChecklistStep-by-step quick guide on notifying organisations after a death (PDF).
  - Registering a DeathWho to contact to register a death.
  - When Coroner is InvolvedAn explanation of the coroner’s process and their involvement.
  - Finding a Funeral DirectorGet help finding a suitable director to arrange a funeral.
  - Covering Funeral CostsGet help paying for a funeral.
  - Paying Inheritance TaxHelp on when and how to pay inheritance tax.
  - Benefits CalculatorFree assessment of benefits you may be entitled to.
  - Stopping Junk Mail After Someone DiesHow to reduce mail and correspondence to the address of a deceased person.
- Dealing with the EstateWhat needs to be done whether or not probate is needed.
  - Executor of Will DutiesList of duties required by the distributor of the deceased’s estate.
  - Making Changes to InheritanceChanging how inheritance is distributed at this stage requires a Deed of Variation
  - Inheritance TaxWhen and how to pay inheritance tax.
  - Deed of VariationChange details about how inheritance is distributed.
- Probate SupportStart here if you need help or have been told you need probate.
  - Quick Guide to England & Wales ProbateChecklist of what is required for probate in England & Wales in PDF format.
  - Quick Guide to Probate in ScotlandChecklist of what is required for probate (confirmation) in Scotland in PDF format.
  - Getting Help with ProbateHelp for those unclear on the probate process.
  - Grant of ProbateHow to get a grant of probate and when you need one.
  - Probate in Northern IrelandAdvice for Northern Ireland residents needing help with probate.
  - Probate in Scotland (Confirmation)Advice for Scotland residents needing help with probate, known as ‘Confirmation’.
  - DIY ProbateHow and when to carry out probate by yourself.
  - Selling a Probate PropertyAdvice on the process of selling a property in probate.
  - Probate FeesGuidance and advice on the fee costs you may incur in during the probate process.
  - Problems With ProbateAdvice on problems and disagreements that can arise during probate.
  - Probate Case StudiesOutcomes for those we have assisted with probate matters (PDF).
- Problems & ComplicationsAdvice on challenging practical situations that can arise.
  - Sudden BereavementGuide on living with grief in a printable, PDF format.
  - Laws of IntestacyDetermines who is entitled to inheritance by law.
  - Debts after DeathWhat happens to debts after someone dies.
  - Inheriting DebtThe circumstances where someone may inherit the debts of the deceased.
  - Bona VacantiaWhen there is no living blood relatives, ownerless assets default to the crown.
  - Find Unclaimed Assets of a Deceased PersonHelp for finding unclaimed assets left in wills or from dying intestate.
Emotional Help
- GriefNavigating and managing the experience of grief.
  - Managing GriefGet ideas on managing the experience of grief.
  - Living with GriefQuick guide on living with grief in a printable, PDF format.
  - Traumatic BereavementHelp for managing a traumatic bereavement or PTSD associated with bereavement.
- Specific RelationshipsSupporting grief for relationships and partnerships.
- Supporting OthersHelping others through their bereavement.
  - Supporting ChildrenGet help for explaining the loss of a grandparent or elderly relative to a young child.
  - Supporting EmployeesHelp for employers on how to support employees through bereavement.
- Sharing the NewsHelp with communicating bereavement.
  - Social Media MemorialisationHow to create memorialised social media accounts.
  - Explaining to Young Children
- Getting Help & CounsellingUseful organisations for emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
  - Useful OrganisationsDirectory of organisations who specialise in counselling and emotional support.
Workplace & Training
About NBS
- About NBS
- Donate
- News
- Research
Get Free Practical Advice

Covering Funeral Costs

At a Glance

Key Details

Who pays for a funeral: Funeral costs should first be covered from the deceased’s estate (e.g. bank accounts), but funds must also account for debts and legacies, not just the funeral.

If no estate or funds exist: Families can apply to the DWP Social Fund for help if they receive certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit). Budgeting loans may also be available.

Extra support: Charities such as Down to Earth offer free guidance on affordable funerals, cost-saving options, and fundraising support for those on low incomes.

Quick Navigation

Getting Financial Support to Cover Expenses
Paying for a funeral via the Social Fund
Extra support for low income earners

Paying for a Funeral & Getting Financial Support to Cover Expenses

There are rules about how a funeral should be paid for.

If the person who died has left money behind, the funeral is one thing that it should be used to pay for. Some banks will allow you to take the funeral director’s invoice to them so it can be paid directly, or, if you are using a legal representative to manage the estate, you can give it to them to handle on your behalf.

However, you cannot use all the money left to pay for a lavish funeral if there are other debts and legacies to be paid, such as money left to named individuals or charities.

Please call us for advice if you are unsure about how to approach this scenario – 0800 0246 121.

If the money left by the person who has died is very little, all may have to be used to pay for a simple funeral and there may be nothing left for family members and other beneficiaries. However, if the deceased did not leave an estate to pay for their funeral, did not have a funeral plan or insurance in place, and the family is unable to pay for the funeral, the next of kin can make an application to the DWP via the Social Fund.

Paying for a funeral via the Social Fund

You can apply to the Social Fund if you are claiming any of the following benefits or are currently waiting on your claim:

Universal Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit
Housing Benefit
The Disability or Severe Disability Element of Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Support for a Mortgage Interest Loan

If you have been on one of these benefits in the last 26 weeks, you may be able to claim for a budgeting loan to help you with the costs of the funeral.

You can arrange this by going to your local JobcentrePlus, or you can also call the DWP Bereavement Service, here:
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Welsh Language: 0800 731 0453
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Welsh Language Textphone: 0800 731 0456
NGT Text Relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Support from Down to Earth

If you are on benefits or have a low income, Down to Earth can support you to find a meaningful funeral that is more affordable.

Their experienced team supports thousands of people across the UK to look at their options, keep costs down, and identify ways to raise money for a funeral. They can provide free one-to-one support if the funeral has not happened; they mainly do this via their helpline at 0208 983 5055, but you can also make initial contact by emailing downtoearth@qsa.org.uk.

They also have information and resources on their website here.