Social Security.
You may be able to obtain financial help from the social fund to contribute towards the cost of the funeral.
Financial Help
In most cases it is unlikely that the amount paid by the social fund will cover the total cost of the funeral. DWP Funeral Payment Link.
If you are responsible for arranging the funeral and you or your partner are receiving:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Child Tax Credit, which includes an amount higher than the family element
- Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award
Clients should check with the DWP as to which benefits apply. For more information contact your local DWP office or www.dwp.gov.uk
Documentation
The Registrar will provide you with a White Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8) which is required to claim any Social Fund Benefit and should be taken to your local Department of Works and Pensions Office.
The following documents will be required (if they are to hand or can be obtained easily):
- The deceased’s Birth Certificate
- Social Fund Claim Form (SF 200)
- The Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- National Insurance Contribution Card
- Any DWP Pension or Allowance Books
- The final bill for the Funeral – issued by us
Claiming
A claim should be made within three months after death but it is advisable to lodge the claim as soon as possible even if all the documents are not available. Any payment from the fund will normally be paid within ten days and is usually a Giro.
The Social Fund payment is not part of deceased person’s estate and therefore is not liable for estate duty. Any funeral payment which is made can be recovered by the DWP should funds become available from the deceased estate.
Further Information
Should you require further information regarding the financial help you may be entitled to receive please contact:
The Department of Works and Pensions
Crown House, The Brook,
Chatham, Kent ME4 4LQ
Telephone: 0345 6060265
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk