Welfare funerals

When someone dies it can be a very distressing time for those arranging a funeral, especially if there are concerns about how the funeral is to be paid for. There is help available to assist with paying for a funeral and it is important that this is discussed with the Funeral Director during the arrangements, for once a contract with a Funeral Director has been entered the Applicant will be responsible for paying their costs.

If someone is receiving certain benefits, they may be entitled to a funeral payment from the Social Fund. These could be:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Pension Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Council Tax Benefit

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

Further information about funeral payments, including an application form, can be found on the Direct Gov website.