You may be able to get help with the cost of a funeral if you have arranged the funeral in the United Kingdom and the person who has died lived in the United Kingdom.

You can get help with the cost of a funeral if you are getting one or more of the following benefits and you have made the funeral arrangements:-

Income Support

Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

Council Tax Benefit

Working Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element

Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element

Currently the payment made in relation to a successful application can include:-

The funeral directors charges up to a maximum of £700. In the case of cremation, the cremation fee and fees to doctors for cremation certificates. In the case of burial the cost of re-opening a grave or purchasing and opening a new six foot grave.

The payment made by the Social Fund is a contribution towards the cost of the funeral and is not intended to nor will it pay the whole funeral account.

Detailed advice regarding your individual claim will be given or you can telephone the Funeral Payments Section at the Department of Social Security direct on 0845 608 8763.