To get a Funeral Payment you must be receiving one of these benefits:

• Council Tax Benefit;
• Housing Benefit;
• Pension Credit; or
• Working Tax Credit with a disability element.

If a relative dies, you may get help towards the cost of their funeral if you are getting one of the above benefits and you are the closest surviving relative. If there is another relative who has a similar connection, and who is not getting a means-tested benefit, they will be expected to pay.

You will get the Funeral Payment even if you have savings, as long as you get one of the benefits mentioned earlier. If any other friend or relative gives you money towards the cost of the funeral, that amount will be deducted from the payment.

The Funeral Payment may be reclaimed by the Department for Work and Pensions from any cash available from the deceased person's estate.