Funeral Expenses Payment Calculator 2026

Check eligibility for the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment. Up to £1,000 toward funeral costs plus actual fees. Available to people on qualifying benefits who are responsible for a funeral.

Funeral Expenses Payment Eligibility Check

Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) is a DWP payment toward the cost of a funeral for people on qualifying benefits. It pays burial or cremation fees in full, plus up to £1,000 for other expenses.

Are you receiving a qualifying benefit?

Your relationship to the deceased:

Estimated funeral costs (£):

Funeral type:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Funeral Expenses Payment?

Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) is a DWP benefit toward the cost of a funeral. It pays burial or cremation fees in full, plus up to £1,000 for other reasonable funeral expenses (flowers, coffin, etc.).

How much is Funeral Expenses Payment?

FEP pays actual burial or cremation fees (no cap), plus up to £1,000 for other costs. Average UK funeral costs around £4,000–£5,000, so FEP typically covers a significant but partial amount. The payment comes from the deceased's estate if they had one.

Who qualifies for Funeral Expenses Payment?

You must: (1) receive a qualifying benefit (UC, IS, JSA, ESA, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, CTC, WTC); (2) be responsible for arranging the funeral; (3) have a qualifying relationship with the deceased.

What qualifying relationship is needed?

Close relationship required: partner/spouse/civil partner, parent/step-parent, child (if no other responsible parent), sibling (if no closer relative can arrange). For more distant relatives or friends, you must show no closer family member is available.

How do I apply for Funeral Expenses Payment?

Apply within 6 months of the funeral at gov.uk/funeral-payments or call DWP on 0800 731 0469. You need: your NI number, details of the qualifying benefit, the death certificate, and funeral director's invoice.

Does Funeral Expenses Payment come out of the estate?

Yes — if the deceased had any money, property, or assets, the payment will be recovered from the estate. The estate must repay FEP before it can be distributed to beneficiaries.

Are there other help options for funeral costs?

Yes: Local council funded funerals (Public Health Funeral) if no one arranges a private funeral; funeral cost plans through charities like Natural Death Centre; charitable grants (some councils have hardship funds); payment plans with funeral directors.

Is Funeral Expenses Payment taxable?

No — Funeral Expenses Payment is tax-free and does not count as income for means-tested benefit purposes.