Funerals are usually paid for in one of three ways:
from the person's estate
Their money and property
by a pre-paid funeral plan
They took out
by the family
Who can then claim the money back from the estate
If there's a funeral plan
If you think the person had a funeral plan, find the paperwork before you arrange anything - otherwise you may pay for a funeral that's already been paid for. If you can't find it, the National Association of Funeral Plan Providers can help you trace a plan.
Paying from the person's bank account
Many banks will pay a funeral director's invoice directly from the person's account, even before probate is granted. Ask the bank.
What the funeral director's bill includes
Ask for a written quote. Every funeral director must publish a standard price list, which makes it easier to compare.
The funeral director's own charges
Usually cover:
- collecting the person and caring for them until the funeral
- the coffin
- the hearse, and staff on the day
- arranging the funeral
Third-party costs
Often called disbursements - are paid by the funeral director to others on your behalf, and added to your bill:
- cremation or burial fees
- the minister's or celebrant's fee
- flowers
- newspaper notices
- the organist
You'll usually be asked for a deposit to cover these.
Help from the government: Funeral Expenses Payment
If you're on a low income and get certain benefits, you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment.
It can pay for
- burial or cremation fees
- travel to arrange or attend the funeral
- moving the body within the UK, if it's more than 50 miles
up to £1,000
For other costs, such as the funeral director's fees, the coffin or flowers
It usually won't cover the whole cost of the funeral.
You may qualify if you get
Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.
And you're
The partner of the person who died; the parent of a baby stillborn after 24 weeks; or the parent of, or person responsible for, a child who died. A close relative or friend may be able to claim if none of these apply.
The funeral must take place
In the UK, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
Claim within 6 months of the funeral
You can claim before the funeral if you have an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director - an estimate won't do.
To claim,
Call the Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), or fill in form SF200.
The payment is taken back out of the person's estate, if there's money in it.
In Scotland,
The equivalent is the Funeral Support Payment.
Children's funerals
In England, the Children's Funeral Fund pays burial or cremation fees and some other costs for a child under 18, including a baby stillborn after 24 weeks. Your funeral director can usually claim it for you. Wales has its own scheme.
See also
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Checked against GOV.UK.
For free helplines and charities, see bereavement support and charities.
Funeral plans have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since July 2022. Only buy a plan from an authorised provider. See planning a funeral in advance.
See also Direct cremation.
See also When someone dies in Scotland.
Common questions
Who normally pays for a funeral?
Usually the person's estate (their money and property), a pre-paid funeral plan, or the family, who can then claim the money back from the estate.
Can the funeral be paid from the person's bank account?
Often, yes. Many banks will pay a funeral director's invoice directly from the person's account, even before probate is granted. Ask the bank.
What is a Funeral Expenses Payment?
Government help for people on a low income who get certain benefits. It can pay burial or cremation fees, some travel, and up to £1,000 for other costs such as the funeral director's fees or the coffin. It usually won't cover the whole cost.
How long do I have to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment?
Up to 6 months after the funeral. You can claim before the funeral if you have an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director.
What if the person had a funeral plan?
Find the paperwork before you arrange anything, or you may pay for a funeral that's already been paid for. The National Association of Funeral Plan Providers can help you trace a plan.
Is there help for a child's funeral?
In England, the Children's Funeral Fund pays burial or cremation fees and some other costs for a child under 18, including a baby stillborn after 24 weeks. Your funeral director can usually claim it for you. Wales has its own scheme.