Rising Funeral Costs in the United Kingdom
It is no surprise to anyone that over the last decade funeral costs in the UK have been rising increasing and as of 2023 the average cost of a basic funeral stands at around £4,000.1 These costs can be higher in certain areas or if families choose extra services like flowers, limousines, or extravagant services. For many, this financial burden can be a big source of stress, especially when combined with the emotional turmoil that is the grief of losing a loved one. Fortunately, there are lots of organisations and charities working to help lessen some of these challenges.
Financial Aid for Funeral Costs
We have touched on this in a recent article on funding end-of-life care, but there are several ways that families in the UK can receive financial help to somewhat lessen the cost of a funeral. These organisations can provide either direct funding or financial advice to families in need.
The Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) is a Government led program which helps low income families or people receiving specific benefits with the costs of a funeral.2 It is available to individuals in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.3 The amount of funding given depends on the persons circumstances and may not cover the all the funeral cost, but can help to lessen the financial burden on families left behind.4
To qualify for the FEP, you must be either the partner of the deceased or a close relative. The deceased must also have lived in the UK and meet specific residence requirements.5 If eligible, the FEP can cover essential expenses like burial or cremation fees, travel to the funeral, and up to £1,000 for other funeral costs, such as funeral director fees, flowers, or the coffin.6
The Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) another option, and is available to those who have recently lost a spouse or civil partner.7 The BSP can provide a lump sum and monthly payments for up to 18 months, which partners can use to help cover the cost of a funeral or provide general financial support during the grieving period. To be eligible for this benefit, the deceased must have paid National Insurance contributions, and the person must have been under the State Pension age at the time of the spouse or partner’s death.8
In some cases, family and friends may not be able to cover the cost of a funeral and instances like this in the UK, the council are obliged to provide a public health funeral. This type of funeral is known as a “pauper’s funeral.”9 In this instance basic services are included such as a simple coffin, transport, and a burial or cremation. While this type of funeral does not offer a personalised service, it makes sure that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of financial circumstances in their last moments on this earth.
Charitable Organisations
In addition to financial aid, several UK-based charities offer both emotional support and financial assistance to help with related expenses. These organisations are dedicated to supporting families in need, particularly when other sources of aid aren’t enough. Its important to educate yourself and your loved ones on whats available should the time come.
Loosing a child is unimaginably painful, while there are several other organisations that support parents through this type of loss, the Child Funeral Charity offers great support to families who have lost a child, assisting with funeral costs, such as memorials, flowers, and coffins.10 They also offer emotional support during the grieving process and work hard to support families during this time.
As we age and move into retirement, covering unexpected costs can be incredibly difficult. Friends of the Elderly helps older people who may not have the financial means to pay for their funeral.11 This organisation offers grants to help cover costs of transportation, burial fees, or small funeral expenses to relieve pressure on families left behind.12
Quaker Social Action’s Down to Earth Program
The Quaker Social Action’s Down to Earth Program is another organisation thats dedicated to to looking after those in financial need. This program helps individuals struggling to afford funeral costs by offering practical guidance on arranging a meaningful yet affordable service. Alongside emotional support, they also give financial assistance in some cases, ensuring families can honour their loved ones without creating longer term financial stress.
Funeral Support Groups
Aside from financial aid, there are also lots of support groups across the UK that provide emotional help to people coping with grief and loss. These groups help bereaved loved ones left behind to connect with others going through similar experiences. This can help people come to terms with whats happened, whilst offering both comfort and connection.
Cruse Bereavement Support is one of the UK’s biggest bereavement support organisations that works with people to help them deal with their grief. Cruse offer free and confidential support to anyone who is grieving, regardless of the type of loss. Their services include, one-on-one counseling, group sessions, telephone, and online support.13 Aside from, supporting the grieving process, Cruse also offers advice on practical issues related to funerals such as dealing with funeral directors, understanding grief, and managing the financial aspects of loss.
WAY is another organisation that supports those who are 50 and under who have lost a partner. It offers a space where widowed individuals can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through. Through peer-to-peer support, WAY helps people find comfort, connection, and companionship by sharing experiences and coping strategies. WAY organise social events and has also created an online forum to help people connect, giving members opportunities to share their stories, build friendships, and support one another. Similarly to Cruse bereavement, WAY also provides practical guidance on important matters like arranging funerals, handling legal processes, and managing finances after the death of a loved one.
Sands provides support for anyone affected by the death of a baby. Their services are open to both parents and other family members who are struggling to cope with this specific type of loss. Losing a baby in some instances can provide a huge sense of misplaced guilt, thats why Sands offers local support groups, online forums, and a national helpline where bereaved families can come together and speak with trained professionals. The charity also works to raise awareness about stillbirth and neonatal death, providing information about funeral options for babies and ensuring that bereaved families receive compassionate care during this difficult time.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charity that supports bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents after the death of a child. Similarly to Sands, TCF offers local support groups, a national helpline, and one-on-one support for families who are grieving. They also hold memorial events and workshops where families can come together with other people who are going through a similar experiences. TCF doesn’t just provide emotional support, TCF also gives practical advice on how to arrange a funeral, deal with the legal aspects of a child’s death, and manage the long-term emotional impact of loss.
You’re not alone
Losing a loved one is of the hardest experiences you will ever go through. It’s important if you are struggling with grief to remember that you are not alone and there is always support available, whether it be emotionally or financially. In the UK, there are numerous organisations available to help bereaved families cope with the costs of funerals and offer emotional support during the grieving process. Whether through Government supported initiatives, charitable organisations, or bereavement support groups, families facing loss can find the help they need to navigate this difficult time. While funeral costs continue to rise, the support systems in place provide crucial relief, ensuring that everyone can honour their loved ones, regardless of their financial situation.
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