Emergency Financial Help After a Death
When someone dies, families can face immediate financial pressures - from funeral costs to loss of income. There are several sources of emergency financial help available in the UK. This guide explains what support you might be entitled to and how to access it.
- 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
Access Funds to Pay for Funeral
Release estate funds before probate for funeral costs
Debts After Death
Understanding who pays debts and priority order
Notifying Banks After Death
How to inform banks and access immediate funds
Closing a Deceased's Bank Account
Steps to close accounts and retrieve funds
When You Don't Need Probate
Small estate procedures and exemptions
Probate Threshold UK 2025
Check if probate is required for the estate
Applying for Probate
Complete guide to the probate process
What to Do When Someone Dies
First steps and immediate priorities after a death
Related Guides
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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
Which benefits end immediately, what needs to be repaid, and how to notify DWP about a death.
How to Notify Banks After a Death UK: Complete Guide 2025
Step-by-step guide to notifying banks after a death in the UK. What documents you need, how to access funds before probate, joint accounts, funeral payment releases, and full timeline.