If you are responsible for arranging a service and are on a low income, you likely want to know how much is a funeral grant from DWP for 2026.

This Social Fund payment is designed to provide a financial safety net, covering essential burial or cremation fees in full, plus a capped contribution of £1,000 for other related costs such as the funeral director’s professional fees or a coffin.

What is a funeral grant from the DWP?

The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment (commonly called a funeral grant) is a government scheme designed to help individuals on low-income benefits meet the rising costs of a funeral.

It isn’t a universal grant; rather, it is a targeted Social Fund payment for those responsible for a funeral who lack the personal means to pay for it.

The grant acts as a contribution rather than a full reimbursement, focusing on covering essential legal and burial fees to ensure a dignified send-off without causing the applicant long-term financial hardship.

How much is a funeral grant from DWP in 2026?

For the 2026/27 tax year, there is no single “fixed” amount for the grant because the DWP pays the actual cost of necessary service fees. However, the non-essential part of the grant remains capped. The payment is broken down as follows:

• Essential Costs (Uncapped): The DWP pays the full cost of burial or cremation fees and required medical certificates.
• Other Expenses (Capped at £1,000): This covers the funeral director, coffin, hearse, and flowers.
• Pre-paid Plans: If the deceased had a plan, the “other expenses” cap drops to £120 for remaining items.

Why does the DWP funeral payment often fail to cover the full bill?

While the term grant suggests the full cost is covered, a common pattern in the UK is a significant financial gap.

With the average cost of a simple attended funeral rising in 2026, the DWP payment often covers only 50–60% of the total bill.

Many claimants find themselves looking for legal ways to bridge this gap, such as exploring a Universal Credit loophole £1500 that provides additional backdated or emergency support for those in specific circumstances.

The grant is strictly divided into uncapped necessary costs (the fees the council or cemetery charges) and capped other expenses.

If your funeral director charges £2,500 for their professional services and a coffin, the DWP will still only contribute £1,000 toward that specific portion of the bill.

Who can receive the funeral grant from DWP?

Not everyone responsible for a funeral can claim support. The DWP applies a strict “Relationship Test” and a “Benefits Test” to ensure the money reaches those in genuine financial need.

Who is eligible to claim?

To receive the payment, you (or your partner) must receive at least one qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit. In cases where payment delays have caused financial distress, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit compensation DWP to cover any resulting losses.

You must also be the partner of the deceased, a close relative, or a very close friend.

Who cannot receive the funeral grant?

You will likely be rejected if there is a close relative (like a sibling or parent) who is not on benefits and was not “estranged” from the deceased.

In practice, we frequently see claims rejected because a sibling not on benefits is living nearby, as the DWP assumes they can contribute regardless of their actual relationship.

Additionally, residents of Scotland are ineligible for the DWP grant and must apply for the Funeral Support Payment through Social Security Scotland instead.

Feature	Eligible for DWP Grant	Ineligible / Cannot Receive
Relationship	Partner, parent, or close relative/friend	Distant relative with closer family available
Benefit Status	Receiving Universal Credit / Pension Credit	Not on any means-tested benefits
Estate Value	Estate is insolvent or empty	Deceased left savings or a funeral plan

How to apply for a funeral grant from DWP

Applying for the grant is a formal process that requires an itemised invoice from a funeral director. You can start the process before the funeral takes place if you have a signed contract or invoice.

1. Request an itemised invoice: Ask your funeral director for a full breakdown of costs.
2. Call the Bereavement Service: Dial 0800 151 2012 to start a claim by phone (usually the fastest method).
3. Complete Form SF200: If you prefer post, download the SF200 form from the GOV.UK website.
4. Provide proof of benefits: Have your National Insurance number and award letters ready.
5. Detail the deceased’s finances: Report all bank balances and insurance policies.
6. Submit death certification: Ensure the death is registered via the “Tell Us Once” service.

If you have other questions regarding your current claim status, knowing how do i contact DWP by phone through their primary helplines can help resolve broader benefit issues simultaneously.

What is the deadline to claim a DWP funeral grant after a death?

Timing is critical when dealing with the Social Fund. Many people ask: “Can I receive the funeral grant after conducting the funeral event?” The answer is yes, provided you meet the deadline.

• The 6-Month Rule: You must submit your claim within six months of the date of the funeral. Applying even one day late usually results in an automatic rejection.
• Post-Funeral Claims: You can claim after the event if you have already paid the bill using a credit card or loan and now need to recoup the costs.
• Claiming Before the Death: You cannot claim until the person has actually passed away and you have a date for the funeral or an invoice.

Is the DWP funeral grant taxable or required to be paid back?

Is the funeral grant taxable?

No, the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is not taxable. You do not need to declare it as income, and it does not affect your other benefit payments.

Are there any hidden charges?

There are no application fees or hidden charges to receive the grant, but there is a repayment obligation. The grant is technically a debt against the deceased’s estate.

If the deceased left a house or savings, the DWP Debt Management team will claim the grant back from those assets. However, they will not take money from a house left to a surviving spouse.

What the DWP grant covers vs. what you pay

Service	Covered by DWP?	2026 Details
Burial / Cremation Fees	Yes (Full)	Includes the plot and medical certificates.
Coffin / Director Fees	Capped (£1,000)	Combined total for all professional services.
Flowers & Wake	Capped (£1,000)	Falls under the same limit as the coffin.
Travel	Yes	One return journey to attend or arrange.
Moving the Body	Over 50 Miles	Only for the portion of travel beyond 50 miles.

Summary

The DWP Funeral Expenses Payment is a vital but limited resource. To ensure you receive the maximum amount possible:

• Check the “Other Relative” rule: If the deceased has a child or sibling not on benefits, talk to them first, as the DWP may expect them to contribute.
• Consider Direct Cremation: If the £1,000 cap is a concern, a direct cremation (which often costs under £1,500) allows the grant to cover nearly the entire bill.
• Submit immediately: Register the death and call the Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012 to start your claim before the 6-month window closes.

FAQ

How long does it take for the DWP to pay the grant?

Most claims are processed within 15 working days once all information is received. If you haven’t paid the funeral director, the money goes straight to them.

Can I get a grant for a headstone?

A headstone is considered part of “other expenses.” Since these are capped at £1,000 and usually used up by the coffin, there is rarely any grant money left for one.

Does life insurance affect the amount I get?

Yes. The DWP will deduct the value of any life insurance payout from your grant “pound for pound,” except for money specifically designated for a surviving spouse.

What if I’m on Universal Credit but have savings?

Your personal savings do not stop you from getting the grant. The DWP only looks at the deceased’s assets, not yours, as long as you are on a qualifying benefit.

Can I claim for a funeral held abroad?

Usually no. The funeral must typically be held in the UK, though some very specific exceptions exist for members of the EEA or Switzerland.

Does a pre-paid funeral plan cancel the grant?

If the deceased had a plan, the DWP will only pay for items not covered by that plan, up to a maximum of £120 for miscellaneous costs.

Is it better to apply by phone or post?

Phone is faster. An advisor can tell you immediately if you are missing information, whereas a postal form (SF200) can result in weeks of back-and-forth letters.

Can I claim if I am not on benefits but the deceased was?

No. The person making the claim must be the one receiving a qualifying benefit. The deceased’s benefit status does not grant eligibility to the applicant.

What if I have already paid the funeral bill?

You can still claim as long as the funeral took place less than six months ago. The DWP will pay the grant directly into your bank account rather than to the funeral director.

Is there a limit on how many funeral grants I can receive?

There is no set lifetime limit, but you must be the responsible person for each individual funeral and meet the eligibility criteria at the time of each claim.

Author Expertise Note

This guide was written by a senior UK social welfare advisor with 15 years of experience in bereavement support and DWP policy. This information is correct as of 2026 and intended for general guidance. It does not constitute legal advice. We recommend confirming your status with a qualified Citizens Advice advisor before signing any high-value funeral contracts.