Funeral Costs in Belfast

Financial Help with Funeral Costs

Funeral costs can be a significant burden, particularly when arranged at short notice. Several government schemes may help reduce what you need to pay.

Funeral Expenses Payment

If you're receiving certain benefits, you may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government. This covers:

• Burial or cremation fees in full (including the doctor's certificate for cremation)
• Body transport costs in full if the deceased was moved more than 50 miles
• Travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral
• Up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses such as the coffin, funeral director fees, and flowers

You must claim within 6 months of the funeral. Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, and income-based JSA or ESA.

Note: If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, only up to £120 is available for any costs not covered by the plan.

Bereavement Support Payment

If your partner has died and you were under State Pension age, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment:

• With dependent children, or if pregnant: £3,500 lump sum, plus £350 per month for 18 months (up to £9,800 total)
• Without children: £2,500 lump sum, plus £100 per month for 18 months (up to £4,300 total)

Claim within 3 months of your partner's death to receive the full amount. You can still claim up to 21 months after the death, but may miss some payments.

Children's Funeral Fund

If a child under 18 dies, or a baby is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, burial and cremation costs are covered in full through the Children's Funeral Fund for England. Your funeral director applies on your behalf — there is nothing additional you need to do. Equivalent schemes exist in Scotland and Wales.