Help with funeral costs

maypole

A relative has died suddenly, he was on income support, he lived with his pensioner father, the father might struggle to pay for the funeral, don't know if the rest of the family are in a position to help out. Will he be able to claim any financial help?

Thank you

Zara33

The father may be able to claim a funeral grant.

If you are having trouble paying for a funeral that you have to arrange, you may be able to get a Social Fund Funeral Payment to help you with the cost.

Who can get help

To qualify, you or your partner (spouse or someone you live with as if you are married to them) must be receiving one of these benefits or tax credits:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element and/or Working Tax Credit where there is a disability or severe disability element included in the award
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit

and it must be reasonable for you to have taken responsibility for the funeral expenses.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/d49s/pay_funeral.asp

cw18

Funeral Grant would appear to be the only possibility -- details are here

maypole

Thank you all for your replies.

Zara33

maypole this might be of some help also what to do after a death: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/WhatToDoAfterADeath/DG_10029808

foxy-lady

I was considereing applying for this for my mums burial a week on friday. Can anyone please tell me if I am responsible for paying it back?

The notes with the form say
'A funeral payment made from the social fund will have to be paid back from the estate of the person who has died'

There will be no money from the estate, so will they expect me to repay it back gradually?
xx

Rosie2404

Sorry to hear about your mum foxy lady. My mum had one for my grandads funeral 2 years ago and she has not heard anything about paying it back. I would think that is only if there is are valuables left eg house or money. Hope everything goes well.