Press release

Support towards funeral expenses to rise from tomorrow

From tomorrow (Wednesday 8th April), financial support helping families meet the costs of funeral expenses such as coffins and funeral directors’ fees will increase from £700 to £1,000.

The change, announced in November 2019, means that the maximum amount families can claim for these type of costs will rise by 43 per cent. This payment is on top of existing allowances that pay for other funeral costs, such as burial or cremation fees.

Funeral Expenses Payments which are paid to eligible benefit claimants will increase for the first time since 2003, providing vital financial support to families grieving the loss of a loved one.

Information around eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

Around 800 claims are received each week by the Department for Work and Pensions Bereavement Support team.

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Published 7 April 2020