Funeral costs for pensioners in the UK have never been higher – and the bill nearly always arrives at the worst possible time
The average funeral now costs over £5,000. For anyone living on a fixed pension income, that can feel like an impossible sum. And many pensioners assume they are on their own — because the main government bereavement payment is only available to those under State Pension age.
But there is genuine help available. This guide joins it all up for you — every grant, every benefit, every practical option — in plain English.
How Much Are Funeral Costs for Pensioners in the UK in 2026?
Before looking at the help available, it is worth knowing exactly what you are up against. According to SunLife’s 2026 Cost of Dying Report, a simple attended funeral now averages £3,828 — and that rises to £5,140 once you add flowers, catering, and an order of service. That is a 5.3% rise year-on-year, the steepest increase since 2016.
| Type of Funeral | Average Cost 2026 |
| Direct cremation (no service) | £1,600 – £1,800 |
| Simple attended funeral | £3,828 |
| Traditional attended funeral | £4,510 |
| Full funeral incl. send-off extras | £5,140+ |
| London burial (worst case) | £10,000+ |
One in seven families experience genuine financial hardship paying for a funeral, having to find an average of £2,365 extra from somewhere. On a pension, that can mean wiping out savings built up over decades.
| ⚠ Worth knowing: Funeral costs vary significantly by region. London averages around £4,897 for a simple attended funeral — nearly £1,800 more than Northern Ireland at £3,105. Where you live affects what you will pay. |
The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment — The Main Source of Help
The Funeral Expenses Payment (sometimes called the funeral grant) is the most significant source of government support available when it comes to funeral costs for pensioners in the UK. Unlike Bereavement Support Payment, it is available to over-65s — so the door is not shut if you are past State Pension age.
It does not cover everything — but it covers the essentials, and can make a real dent in the bill.
What does it cover?
- Full burial or cremation fees — paid in full, with no cap
- Death certificates needed to release money from the estate
- Travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral
- Transport costs if the deceased needs to be moved more than 50 miles
- Up to £1,000 toward other costs — including funeral director fees, the coffin, and flowers
| 💡 Honest Tip: If the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan, you can only claim up to £120 for costs not already covered by the plan. Find that paperwork before agreeing anything with a funeral director — it affects your claim. |
Who qualifies? The two tests you must pass
You need to meet a Benefits Test AND a Relationship Test.
Benefits Test — you or your partner must be receiving one of:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest loan
Relationship Test — you must be:
- The partner (married, civil partner, or cohabiting) of the person who died
- A close relative or close friend, if no partner exists or they are unable to claim
- The parent of a child who died under 16 (or under 20 and still in approved education)
| ⚠ Watch out for this: If the deceased had a close relative who is working and not on benefits, the DWP may decide that relative should pay instead — and refuse your claim. It is worth calling the DWP before applying to check your specific situation. |
How and when to apply
- Apply using form SF200 — online at GOV.UK, by phone, or by post
- Call the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 (free from most phones)
- You have 6 months from the date of the funeral to apply
- You can apply before the funeral if you have a signed invoice from the funeral director
- If you are waiting on a benefit decision, apply anyway — the DWP will hold your claim until it is resolved
Pension Credit: The Gateway Benefit That Unlocks the Funeral Grant
Here is something that surprises many people. If you are not currently on Pension Credit, you may still be able to claim it — and doing so directly unlocks the Funeral Expenses Payment, along with a wide range of other help.
Around 880,000 pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it. If your weekly income is below £218.15 (single) or £332.95 (couples) in 2026/27, you may qualify. Even a small Pension Credit award acts as a passport to the funeral grant, a free TV licence, Council Tax Reduction, and more.
See our full guide to Pension Credit — what it is and how to claim.
Other Help With Funeral Costs for Pensioners in the UK
The Funeral Expenses Payment is the biggest single source of help, but it is far from the only option available when facing funeral costs for pensioners in the UK. Here is what else exists.
Friends of the Elderly grants
Friends of the Elderly offer emergency grants of up to £400 for unexpected bills — including funeral costs. You must live in England or Wales, be over State Pension age, and be on a low income with little savings. Apply through Citizens Advice or at fote.org.uk.
Local council Public Health Funerals
If there is genuinely no money and nobody able to pay, your local council has a legal duty to arrange a funeral. These are simple, dignified services — usually a direct cremation or basic burial. The family can attend, though the council sets the time. It is a last resort, but it exists and it is free.
The deceased’s bank account
Many people do not realise that banks will often release funds directly to pay a funeral bill before probate is granted. You will need the death certificate and the funeral director’s invoice. Most banks have a dedicated bereavement team who handle this regularly — ask directly and early.
Pre-paid funeral plans
If your partner — or you — took out a pre-paid funeral plan, some or all of the costs may already be covered. Find the paperwork as early as possible. Plans vary widely in what they include, so check the small print carefully. See our guide on how to avoid funeral plan scams before signing up for a new one. [Add internal link]
Charity grants via Turn2Us
The Turn2Us grants search tool lets you search for grants based on your personal circumstances, past employment, and location. Some trade unions, professional bodies, and employers’ charities offer funeral grants to former members. It takes around 10 minutes and is completely free at turn2us.org.uk.
Direct cremation — the most affordable route
A direct cremation — where the cremation takes place without a formal service and the ashes are returned to the family — now costs as little as £1,000 to £1,800. Many families then hold a separate memorial at home or in a local venue, which is often far more personal and significantly less expensive than a traditional funeral. It is becoming the UK’s fastest-growing funeral choice for very good reason.
Planning Ahead: The Conversation Most People Avoid
Nobody wants to have this conversation. But families who know their loved one’s wishes in advance spend an average of £335 less on the funeral. That is not nothing.
- Make a will and include funeral wishes — 35% of people have done this, but nearly two thirds have not
- Tell someone what you would like — burial or cremation, religious or secular, simple or traditional
- Check your life insurance — some policies include a funeral benefit payment
- Look at over-50s life plans with caution — premiums over time can sometimes exceed the eventual payout. Read the full terms carefully
- Keep all key paperwork in one place that your family can find — pension policies, insurance documents, and any existing funeral plans
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I get help with funeral costs if I’m over 65 and on Pension Credit?
Yes — and this is one of the most important things to know. Pension Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment, and there is no upper age limit on the funeral grant. If you are on Pension Credit and responsible for arranging the funeral, you can apply. Call 0800 151 2012 to start a claim.
Q: What if the payment doesn’t cover everything?
It rarely covers the full cost. The grant covers burial or cremation fees in full, plus up to £1,000 for other expenses. Most families still face a shortfall. Your options include accessing funds from the deceased’s bank account, applying to charities via Turn2Us or Friends of the Elderly, asking the funeral director about a payment plan, or choosing a direct cremation to reduce costs from the outset.
Q: Can I claim if I’m not the spouse?
Yes, in some circumstances. If the deceased had no partner — or their partner is unable to claim — a close relative or close friend who is responsible for the funeral and receiving a qualifying benefit can apply. The DWP will assess whether it is reasonable for you to have taken on the costs.
Q: Is the Funeral Expenses Payment a loan I have to repay?
It is a grant, not a loan — so you do not repay it directly. However, if the deceased left an estate (savings, property, shares), the DWP may recover the payment from that estate before it is distributed. Importantly, a house left to a surviving spouse or civil partner is not counted as part of the estate for this purpose — good news for many widows and widowers.
Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Do When Facing a Funeral Bill
Work through these in order — do not skip straight to applying without checking the first steps.
- Register the death and use the Tell Us Once service to notify DWP and HMRC in one step
- Search for a pre-paid funeral plan before agreeing any costs with a funeral director
- Contact the deceased’s bank — ask whether they will release funds directly to pay the funeral bill
- Check whether you (or your partner) are receiving a qualifying benefit for the Funeral Expenses Payment
- If not on Pension Credit, use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator to check entitlement — even a small award unlocks the funeral grant
- Apply for the Funeral Expenses Payment using form SF200 — online, by phone on 0800 151 2012, or by post
- Search for charitable grants at turn2us.org.uk and check whether Friends of the Elderly can help
- If costs are still too high, ask the funeral director about direct cremation or an instalment payment plan
The Bottom Line on Funeral Costs for Pensioners in the UK
Funeral costs for pensioners in the UK are rising fast — and they are not going to slow down. But help is available, even for those over 65 who find themselves excluded from Bereavement Support Payment.
The key is knowing where to look. If you are on Pension Credit, the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is there for you. If you are not on Pension Credit, check whether you should be — hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out right now. And if the official route does not cover the full cost, charitable grants and direct cremation can bridge the gap.
You have paid into the system for decades. This is exactly the kind of moment it was designed for. Do not leave money on the table.
You might also find our guides on Pension Credit — what it is and how to claim and Can I inherit my husband’s State Pension? useful at this time. [Add internal links in WordPress — teal colour]
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Reference Links
External (Dofollow) Sources — add as NAVY links in WordPress
- GOV.UK — Funeral Expenses Payment (eligibility & how to claim):
- GOV.UK — Tell Us Once service:
- GOV.UK — Pension Credit:
- MoneyHelper — Help paying for a funeral:
- Turn2Us grants search tool:
- Friends of the Elderly emergency grants:
- SunLife — Cost of Dying Report 2026:
