Funeral Expenses Payment, eligibility and amounts
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) is a DWP grant for people on a qualifying benefit who are responsible for arranging a funeral. It's repayable from the estate if there are assets.
Who qualifies
You qualify if you (or your partner) get one of: Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (with disability element). AND you're the partner, close relative or close friend of the deceased and 'responsible for the funeral'.
What it pays
FEP covers:
- Burial fees (purchase of a new grave + costs of digging)
- Cremation fees (including doctors' fees and exclusive right of burial of ashes)
- Up to £1,000 towards other costs (funeral director, flowers, coffin), or £120 if there was a pre-paid funeral plan
- Travel to arrange or attend the funeral
- Cost of moving the body more than 50 miles
Apply within 6 months
Apply within 6 months of the funeral, even if probate isn't complete. Apply at gov.uk/funeral-payments or call the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0800 151 2012.
Frequently asked questions
Is FEP paid back from the estate?
Yes, if the deceased had savings, property or other assets, FEP is recovered from the estate before anything goes to beneficiaries. You're not personally liable.
Is there help in Scotland?
Scotland has its own scheme called Funeral Support Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland. It covers burial or cremation costs plus a flat rate of £1,327.75 towards other costs, or £162.05 if there was a pre-paid funeral plan. You can apply any time from the death up to 6 months after the funeral.
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Probate explained
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Every option and what it costs, and how to choose a funeral director.
Prepare your probate application
Gather the estate details, check what you need and build a pack before you apply yourself.
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