Introduction
Ever asked yourself, “How much is a Funeral Grant from DWP?” You’re not the only one. Funerals are expensive, and when you’re grieving, the last thing you want to worry about is money. That’s where the Funeral Expenses Payment, also known as the Funeral Grant from DWP, can step in to help. In this guide, we’ll explain what it is, how much you might get, and how to apply without getting overwhelmed.
What is the Funeral Grant from DWP and who qualifies?
What benefit is the Funeral Grant from DWP?
It’s basically a bit of financial help from the government for people who are finding it tough to cover funeral costs. It can help with essentials like cremation or burial fees, travel costs, and getting the necessary paperwork. It’s there to lighten the load just a little during a really hard time.
Who can apply for the Funeral Grant from DWP?
To be eligible, you need to be on certain benefits, including:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Working or Child Tax Credit with a disability element
You also need to be a close relative or close friend responsible for the funeral arrangements. That could be the partner of the person who died, a parent, or someone caring for a child who passed away.
How do I process a funeral claim?
- In Scotland, visit the Social Security Scotland website or call their helpline to start your application for Funeral Support Payment.
- You’ll be guided to fill out the relevant forms either online, over the phone, or request a paper form by post.
- Provide documents such as the death certificate, funeral invoice, and proof of your benefits.
- For DWP claims in the rest of the UK, download or request form SF200.
- Submit the SF200 form along with supporting documents via the method that works best for you—online, by phone, or by post.
- Ensure you include original or official copies of receipts, funeral contracts, and any related evidence of costs or relationship to the deceased.
Citizens Advice: “The Funeral Support Payment offers essential help for low-income families to manage funeral costs.”
How much financial help does the Funeral Grant from DWP give?
What funeral expenses does the grant cover?
Here’s what the Funeral Grant can help cover:
- Cremation or burial fees, including doctor’s fees for paperwork
- If the funeral is more than fifty miles away, go there and back.
- Transporting the body over a long distance (if needed)
How much is available for additional funeral expenses?
This is where the grant gives you up to £1,000 for extras like:
- Funeral director’s charges
- Coffin or urn
- Flowers
- Funeral cars
But if there’s a prepaid funeral plan in place, this part drops to £120. So it’s worth checking if there’s one already sorted.
What is the maximum funeral payment?
The maximum total you can receive from the DWP Funeral Grant varies. You may get full coverage for burial or cremation costs plus up to £1,000 in additional expenses. If there’s a prepaid funeral plan, the additional help is capped at £120.
Can you pay monthly for a funeral after death?
Yes, many funeral providers offer payment plans. If the Funeral Grant doesn’t cover everything, you might be able to set up a monthly instalment plan with the funeral director. Just check for interest rates or extra fees before agreeing.
Example case study – How much the Funeral Grant from DWP covers
Let’s say you’re arranging a modest funeral:
Item | Estimated cost | Covered by grant? |
---|---|---|
Cremation fees | £800 | Yes |
Travel & paperwork | £150 | Yes |
Funeral director & extras | £1,500 | Grant covers up to £1,000 |
Total | £2,450 | Grant: £1,950 |
Keep in mind, if the person who passed away had savings or money in their estate, that might lower the amount you get.
How much time do you have to claim the Funeral Grant from DWP?
When should you apply?
Yes—make sure you apply within six months of the funeral date. Don’t delay, even if you’re waiting on other things.
- Applications submitted after this period are usually rejected unless there’s a valid reason.
- If you’re unsure when the six-month period starts, use the actual funeral date as your reference.
- Get all paperwork ready early—including receipts, invoices, and benefit confirmation letters—to avoid delays.
Can you claim while waiting for qualification benefit?
No worries! You can still put in your application. The DWP will just wait to decide until your benefit is approved.
- It’s a good idea to include a note with your claim explaining that you’re waiting on a benefit decision.
- This prevents needless delays and aids DWP in tracking your application.
- Make sure you respond promptly to any follow-up letters or phone calls they send.
How long does it take for DWP to pay funeral expenses?
Payments can take anywhere from a few weeks up to 15 working days once everything is submitted. Incomplete documentation or waiting for benefit confirmation might cause delays.
- Make sure all forms are correctly filled out to avoid processing delays.
- If documents are missing, DWP will contact you, which can add extra days to the timeline.
- It helps to keep a copy of everything you send, just in case they need it again.
How is the Funeral Grant from DWP paid and do you need to repay?
Where does the money go?
- If you’ve already paid for everything, the money goes into your bank account.
- If not, DWP might send the payment directly to the funeral director.
Will I have to repay it later?
Not unless the person who died had money, savings, or other assets. In that case, the grant will be recovered from their estate—but never from you personally.
- DWP checks the deceased’s estate, including bank accounts, property, and insurance policies.
- If there are enough funds, the DWP will reclaim what was paid out before distributing any inheritance.
- If the estate has little to no value, there’s nothing for DWP to take back and you won’t owe anything.
DWP funeral grant refused
If your application is denied, don’t panic. First, review the decision notice carefully. You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month if you think they got it wrong. If that doesn’t work, you can appeal to a tribunal. You may also explore help from local charities or community support.
SunLife’s Tim Duncan: “Government support can fill important gaps when planning funerals in the UK.”
What if I live in Scotland – Funeral Support Payment difference?
What’s the Scottish version of this grant?
Scotland has its own version called the Funeral Support Payment, which you can get through Social Security Scotland.
- The application process is separate from DWP and handled by Social Security Scotland.
- You can apply online, by phone, or through a paper form depending on your preference.
- The payment amount is calculated based on your income and funeral-related costs, and usually arrives within a few weeks.
How much does Scotland give out?
On average, it’s about £1,974, which is a bit more than the typical DWP grant. But funerals in Scotland can still go over £3,500, so you might need to cover some extra costs yourself.
- The amount you get may also depend on your relationship to the deceased and whether you receive qualifying benefits.
- Unlike the DWP version, Scotland’s scheme includes a flat-rate payment for certain funeral elements.
- Some applicants may also qualify for additional travel costs or extra support if the deceased lived on an island.
- Scotland’s unique system and how much support is really available.
- A clear cost breakdown so you know what’s covered.
- That you can apply even if your benefit decision is still pending.
Wrapping it up: What’s the real deal on the Funeral Grant from DWP?
So, how much is a Funeral Grant from DWP? You could get help covering the cremation or burial and up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses. If a prepaid funeral plan exists, that part drops to £120. It’s available across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland runs its own system—the Funeral Support Payment.
The bottom line? If you’re eligible, it’s worth applying. It won’t solve every cost, but it can make things a lot easier when you need it most.
FAQs
Can I apply before the funeral takes place?
Yes, just make sure you have a signed contract or invoice.
What if the deceased left money behind?
That money will be used first before the grant is applied.
Still waiting on Universal Credit decision—can I apply?
Yep! Just know DWP might wait to decide until your benefit is confirmed.
Will it affect my benefits?
Not at all. This payment doesn’t count as income.
I live in Scotland—do I apply differently?
Yes! Use Social Security Scotland for the Funeral Support Payment.

I’m Joe Chris, co-author at ukbusinessmag.co.uk and a long-time enthusiast of all things business and finance. My background is in digital marketing and e-commerce, and I love diving into trends that impact the UK business landscape. Through my writing, I aim to make useful, real-world advice accessible to business owners.