Child and Baby Funeral Costs: Free Services Available in the UK

The death of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Understanding what financial support is available — and how to access it — should be the last thing on anyone's mind at such a time. This guide brings together the key information in one place, clearly and without jargon.

The Children's Funeral Fund for England

The Children's Funeral Fund for England was established in 2019 to ensure that no family in England should face burial or cremation costs when a child dies. Key facts about the fund:

• Eligibility: the fund covers the burial or cremation of any child under 18 years old who dies in England, or whose burial or cremation takes place in England
• No means test: eligibility is not dependent on the family's income, savings, or benefits status — all bereaved families qualify
• How it works: the fund pays the burial or cremation fees directly to the cemetery or crematorium. The funeral director claims the relevant fees on the family's behalf — families do not need to apply directly in most cases
• Scope: covers fees charged by cemeteries (for burial) and crematoria (for cremation) — it does not cover the funeral director's own professional service fees

The fund is administered by NHS England. If you are arranging a child's funeral, tell your funeral director about the Children's Funeral Fund — they should be familiar with the process and will claim the relevant fees directly, reducing the amount you need to pay.

Equivalents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Funeral funding for children is a devolved matter, and Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own schemes. While broadly similar to the English fund, the details vary:

• Scotland — Children's Funeral Fund for Scotland: covers burial and cremation costs for children under 18. The Scottish fund also covers the funeral director's professional fees up to a set amount — making it more comprehensive than the English equivalent. Administered by the Scottish Government.
• Wales — Children's Funeral Fund Wales: covers burial or cremation costs for children under 18. Contact Welsh Government or your local authority for current details of what is covered.
• Northern Ireland: provisions vary by council area. Several councils offer free burial and cremation for children under 18. Contact your local council directly for information.

If you are unsure which fund applies, contact your funeral director or the relevant government website for your nation.

Stillbirths: Definition, Registration, and Financial Support

A stillbirth is legally defined as a baby born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy. Births before 24 weeks that result in a baby who does not show any signs of life are classified as miscarriages, not stillbirths, for legal purposes.

For stillbirths (24 weeks and above):

• The stillbirth must be registered with the Register Office within 42 days of the birth (longer than the 5-day requirement for live births followed by death)
• A Stillbirth Certificate is issued, which serves as the authority for burial or cremation
• The Children's Funeral Fund for England covers stillbirths registered at 24 weeks gestation or above
• Parents of stillborn babies are not required to register the death if they choose not to, but most do — and registration is necessary to access funeral fund support

For pregnancy losses before 24 weeks (miscarriages):

• There is no legal obligation to register a miscarriage before 24 weeks, and there is no formal death or stillbirth certificate
• Hospitals may offer a "certificate of baby loss" which, while not a legal document, can be meaningful for families
• Some NHS hospitals and hospices offer free cremation or burial services for pre-24-week losses — ask your hospital bereavement team or midwife
• Some local councils offer discretionary support — it is worth contacting the local authority

Charitable Support for Bereaved Parents

A number of charities provide practical and financial help to families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child:

• SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society): supports families affected by the death of a baby before, during, or after birth. SANDS offers a helpline, peer support, and practical guidance on bereavement administration. Website: sands.org.uk, helpline: 0808 164 3332.
• Tommy's: funds research into miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth, and provides information and support for bereaved families. Website: tommys.org.
• Child Bereavement UK: provides support to families when a baby or child dies, and also when a child is bereaved. They offer specialist support including a helpline at 0800 02 888 40. Website: childbereavementuk.org.
• Little Doves: some areas have local charities specifically providing free funeral services for babies and children — a funeral director or hospital bereavement midwife can advise on local provisions.

Many of these organisations can also help with the practical administration that follows a baby's death — including what to do about benefits, maternity leave, and registration — which can feel overwhelming at an already incredibly difficult time.