Emergency Financial Help After a Death
What emergency financial help is available after a death?
Funeral Expenses Payment covers up to £1,000+ if on benefits (apply within 6 months). Bereavement Support Payment provides £3,500 lump sum plus monthly payments. Banks release deceased's funds for funerals before probate. Local Welfare Assistance offers council crisis loans. Charity grants from Turn2Us, Buttle UK provide £100-£500.
- Funeral Expenses Payment: Up to £1,000+ if on benefits (apply within 6 months)
- Bereavement Support Payment: £372.70 + £125/month for 18 months (with children)
- Bank releases: Deceased's funds released for funeral before probate
- Council crisis loans: Local Welfare Assistance Scheme
- Charity grants: Turn2Us, Buttle UK, Family Fund (£100-£500 typical)
- Apply quickly: Many have time limits (6 months typical)
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
- Funeral Payment can help with funeral costs if you're on benefits
- Bereavement Support Payment provides ongoing financial support for spouses
- Crisis loans may be available through local councils
- Several charities offer emergency grants for bereaved families
- Some banks release funds early from deceased's accounts
- Employer death benefits may provide immediate support
Government support available
Funeral Payment (Social Fund)
Up to £1,000 for funeral costs if you're on qualifying benefits:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
Apply within 6 months of the funeral.
Bereavement Support Payment
For surviving spouses and civil partners:
- Lump sum: £3,500 (or £2,500 without dependent children)
- Monthly payments: £350 for 18 months (or £100 without children)
- Must claim within 3 months of death for full backdating
Emergency Help Checklist
Immediate Actions
- Apply for Funeral Payment if you're on benefits
- Claim Bereavement Support Payment (spouses/civil partners)
- Check for death-in-service benefits from employer
- Apply to relevant charities for emergency grants
Don't struggle alone
There is help available, even if it doesn't seem like it right now. Contact Citizens Advice or your local council - they can help you navigate the support systems available.
Many people don't claim benefits they're entitled to. It's worth checking what's available - you may be surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial help is available for funeral costs if I'm on benefits?
The Funeral Payment from the Social Fund can provide up to £1,000 for funeral costs if you're receiving qualifying benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. You must apply within 6 months of the funeral.
Can surviving spouses get immediate financial support after a death?
Yes, Bereavement Support Payment provides a lump sum of £3,500 (or £2,500 without dependent children) plus monthly payments of £350 for 18 months (or £100 without children) for surviving spouses and civil partners. Claim within 3 months of death for full backdating.
Are there charities that provide emergency grants after a death?
Yes, several charities offer emergency grants for bereaved families, including Turn2Us, Family Action, and occupation-specific benevolent funds. Contact Citizens Advice for help identifying relevant charities based on your circumstances.
Can I access money from the deceased's bank account for funeral costs?
Some banks release funds early from deceased's accounts to pay for funeral costs, even before probate. This varies by bank and depends on the account balance. Contact the bank directly with the death certificate and funeral invoice to discuss options.
Where can I get crisis loans after someone dies?
Crisis loans may be available through your local council's welfare assistance scheme. Contact your local authority's benefits team or Citizens Advice who can advise on local emergency support schemes and help with applications.
Related Guides
How to Access Funds to Pay for a Funeral
Options for releasing money from the estate before probate, including bank procedures and government help.
What Benefits Stop When Someone Dies
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