How To Get Help With Funeral Costs

Arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also dealing with grief. One of the most common concerns families share with us is the cost of a funeral and how to manage it.

Our aim is to help you make informed decisions, without pressure, so you can arrange a funeral that feels right for your loved one and your family. This page will help you understand funeral costs and where and how you can get help with paying for a funeral.

Understanding Funeral Costs

Every funeral is unique, and costs can vary depending on the choices you make. Funeral costs are usually made up of three parts:

Our professional services
This includes caring for your loved one, making the necessary arrangements, and guiding you through every step.
Third party costs (disbursements)
These are fees we pay on your behalf, such as cremation or burial fees and officiant costs.
Optional extras
Items such as flowers, orders of service, catering or additional funeral transport.

We will always provide a clear, written estimate so you know exactly what to expect.

Read more: View our Funeral Pricing

Ways to Manage Funeral Costs

We believe every family should feel able to arrange a meaningful funeral, whatever their budget.

Some ways to help manage costs include:

Choosing a simple funeral service or direct cremation
Limiting additional services such as limousines or floral tributes
Holding a smaller or more informal service
Considering a celebration of life at a later date

We will talk you through all available options and help you find the right balance between cost and personal wishes.

Government Support and Financial Help

You may be able to receive financial support from the government towards funeral costs.

Bereavement Support Payment

If you lose your Husband or Wife and are under the state pension age, you are entitled to a BSP – Bereavement Support Payment (formerly known as the ‘Young Widow Benefit).

It is not means tested but you must apply for this yourself, as it is not automatically given to you.

Learn more: Bereavement Support Payment (Gov.uk)

Funeral Expenses Payment

This is a government payment available to people receiving certain benefits. It can help cover:

Burial or cremation fees
Some travel costs
A contribution towards other expenses

Eligibility depends on your relationship to the person who has died and your own financial situation.

Children’s Funeral Fund (England)

For families arranging a funeral for a person under the age of 18 years, this fund helps cover burial or cremation fees and some associated costs.

We are always here to help guide you through what support may be available and how to apply.

Charitable Grants and Support

Some charities and organisations offer financial help, particularly if your loved one was part of a specific profession, union or community group.

For example:

Trade unions and professional bodies
Armed forces charities
Occupational benevolent funds

The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) also provides guidance and bereavement support for families.

If you are unsure where to start, we can help you explore possible options.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion may be able to offer practical and financial support towards funeral costs for serving personnel, veterans, and their families. This can include help with essential funeral expenses, guidance on what support is available, and assistance in accessing grants or funding where appropriate.

Learn more: How the Royal British Legion can help with funeral costs

The Royal Air Forces Benevolent Fund

The Royal Air Forces Benevolent Fund offers financial and practical support to members of the RAF community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families. This can include help towards funeral costs, bereavement grants, and ongoing emotional support during difficult times.

Learn more: How the RAF can help with funeral costs

Charity for Civil Servants

The Charity for Civil Servants (formerly the Civil Service Benevolent Fund) provides financial assistance and support to current, former, and retired civil servants and their dependents for funeral expenses.

Learn more: Help and support from the Charity for Civil Servants

Cornwall County Council

In some circumstances, if no one is able to arrange or pay for a funeral, Cornwall Council has a duty to step in and arrange a public health funeral. This is a simple and respectful service, usually a direct cremation, organised when there are no known family members or when the estate cannot cover the costs. While these funerals are arranged out of necessity, they are carried out with dignity and care.

Public Health Funerals