Legal & Government Support

This page explains the main legal and government support options related to bereavement in the UK, including state bereavement payments, funeral payments and helplines.

There is a one-off bereavement support lump sum of £2,500 plus a monthly payment of £100 for 18 months (totaling £4,300) paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to eligible people.

You can make the claim online or by calling the Bereavement Service helpline. Typical call lines include:

• Bereavement Support Line: 0800 731 0139 or 0800 121 4433 or 0800 917 2222

Information commonly required: name, date of birth, National Insurance number, date of death, address, bank sort code and account number. Claims are straightforward and, where eligible, payments can arrive within 24–48 hours of a successful application.

There is a Funeral Expenses Payment scheme which can help with funeral costs.

Key points:

• It can cover up to around 60% of the funeral cost (subject to eligibility and limits).
• You will need supporting documents, including the funeral director’s invoice and proof of benefits or income.
• Eligibility usually requires that either the deceased or their close family (spouse, civil partner, or a qualifying child) is receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Pension Credit, or similar.

To claim or to check eligibility see the official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments/how-to-claim

Help lines commonly used to enquire about funeral payments:

• 0800 121 4433
• 0800 917 2222
• 0800 731 0139

• Telephone: 0800 731 0469
• Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
• Textphone: 0800 731 0464
• Welsh textphone: 0800 731 0456
• Relay UK: dial 18001 then 0800 731 0469

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm.

The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has reviewed the funeral market — the review includes expectations of transparency and fair pricing from funeral directors.

Typical services and expectations from funeral directors include:

• Clear, itemised written quotes showing funeral director fees and third-party costs (disbursements).
• Options for different levels of service (basic, standard, premium).
• Assistance with paperwork and coroner/registrar liaison when required.
• Support arranging viewings, transport, and the funeral service itself.

For the CMA findings, see the CMA website: Competitions and Markets Authority.