What happens if you can't afford a funeral?

Funeral costs  in the UK can vary, but having an idea of the average costs can help you plan. The price largely depends on: 

These figures include the main costs such as:

• funeral director’s fees – including arranging the funeral, handling paperwork, and guiding you through the process.
• cremation or burial charges – this means the cost of using a crematorium or buying a burial plot.
• transport – this includes collecting the person who died and bringing them into the care of the funeral director.
• care of the person who died – preparing them for the funeral, which may include dressing them in their own clothes and visiting.
• the coffin - prices vary depending on the options you choose.

And third-party costs, like: 

• the person who leads the service – this could be a minister, celebrant, or officiant.
• a newspaper notice – announcing the funeral details in a local paper.
• flowers – from simple arrangements to large displays.
• order of service sheets – printed programmes for guests.
• venue hire for a wake – that’s if you choose to have a gathering after the funeral.

Funeral directors must give you a clear price list upfront, and must list their prices on their website, so you can compare options from the comfort of home and avoid surprises.^{Footnote [2]}

How do I find a funeral director?

It’s important to find a funeral director that not only fits your budget but also meets your emotional and practical needs. You might start with those who are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral (SAIF). You could also explore Funeral Experts.^{Footnote [2]}

Each of these organisations has a code of practice, which includes giving you a price list when exploring what they offer. 

You can also get in touch with your local council to check whether they offer their own funeral services. You can also ask the hospital, hospice, faith leader or support services that you may be in contact with for advice or recommendations. And for non-religious services, you can contact the British Humanist Association or the Institute of Civil Funerals.^{Footnote [2]}

Funeral cost calculator

If you’re not sure where to start with budgeting, our funeral cost calculator gives you a quick, clear estimate based on the choices you make. It's simple and free to use.

What the calculator does:

1. Gives you a tailored estimate for a cremation or burial based on where you live and the kind of service you want.
2. Breaks down typical costs (for example, funeral director fees, cremation or burial charges, and common third‑party costs like officiant fees or newspaper notices), so you can see what’s driving the total.
3. Shows how small choices change the  price, helping you balance what matters most with what you can afford.

If there’s no money set aside for a funeral, don’t panic. There are options to help cover the costs.

Estate or funeral plans

The first step is to see if the person left any money or arrangements for their funeral. This usually comes from their estate, which means any savings, property, or assets they owned. If there’s enough in the estate, those funds can be used to pay the funeral bill before anything else is distributed to beneficiaries.

It’s also worth checking if they had a pre-paid funeral plan. These plans are designed to cover most of the main costs, like the funeral director’s fees and cremation or burial charges. Some plans even include extras like flowers or transport.

How to access the money and what documents you’ll need:

To use money from the estate, you'll usually need the death certificate to confirm the person passed away. You'll also need a copy of the will (if there's one) to show who is responsible for the estate. Lastly, make sure to have the grant of probate or letters of administration, which are legal documents that give you authority to manage the estate. 

For a funeral plan or life insurance, you'll need to gather the policy or plan documents, which show what's covered. And it's handy to have the contact details of the provider, so you can start the claim process when you're ready. Finally, having proof of identity and the death certificate is worth having to hand as most companies will ask for these before releasing funds.

If you’re on certain benefits and struggling to pay, you may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government. ^{Footnote [4]} The payment is designed to help with essential costs, like burial or cremation fees. And you'll get up to £1,000 for other expenses (like funeral director's fees, flowers, or transport). 

It’s important to know that this payment won’t typically cover the full cost. But it can help ease the pressure. You’ll need to apply through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with the funeral invoice, proof of your benefits, and information about the person who died.

You can apply online or by phone, and the payment is usually made directly to the funeral director or to you if you’ve already paid some costs.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you receive certain benefits, such as:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit

Steps to apply

Knowing when payment is due can help you plan so that you’re better placed to avoid surprises. 

Here’s what usually happens:

1. before the funeral - most funeral directors ask for payment in advance or at least a deposit before the service. This is because they cover costs like crematorium fees and transport upfront.  Always check their terms before you make your choice to make sure all payment options are explained fully. Some funeral directors, for example, may offer staged payments or flexible options, if you explain your situation.
2. after the funeral - if you’re paying from the person’s estate, banks may release funds directly to the funeral director before probate is complete. This can take time, so speak to the bank as soon as possible to understand what they need.

If you can’t pay straight away, don’t ignore the problem. Talk to the funeral director as some can agree a payment plan or suggest a simpler service to reduce costs. And if the person had a funeral plan or life insurance, contact the provider quickly. These arrangements often cover most costs, but you’ll need documents like the death certificate and policy details.

When someone dies, their bank account is usually frozen. But most banks and building societies will release money to pay for funeral costs before probate is complete. 

Contact the bank or building society where the person held their account. Explain that you need funds for funeral expenses. Many banks have a process for this and will pay the funeral director directly once you provide the right paperwork.^{Footnote [2]}

What documents will I need to get the funds?

1. A certified copy of the death certificate
2. The funeral invoice from the funeral director
3. Proof that you’re the executor or next of kin (sometimes a simple declaration is enough, but some banks ask for a grant of probate later).

If the account was joint, the surviving account holder can usually access funds straight away.

Funeral expenses are seen as the first debt of an estate, so banks prioritise these payments. They’ll usually pay the funeral director directly rather than transferring money to you.^{Footnote [5]}

If the bank won’t release the funds, you may need to pay upfront and recover the money later from the estate. If that’s not possible, check if the person had a pre-paid funeral plan or life insurance, or apply for help like the Funeral Expenses Payment.

Funerals can be expensive, but there are some ways to help keep costs down.

1. Compare funeral directors - prices can vary by hundreds or even thousands of pounds between providers. Always ask for an itemised quote so you know exactly what’s included. Funeral directors must give you a clear price list under consumer law, and trade bodies like the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and SAIF require members to publish their prices. ^{Footnote [6]}
2. Consider a direct cremation - some people may choose a direct cremation to control spend because it could be the lowest‑priced cremation package. It offers simpler logistics and fewer immediate decisions with some then planning any remembrance separately to a scale and budget that suits them.
3. Choose a simpler service - extras like limousines, elaborate flowers, and printed service sheets can quickly add up. Many funeral directors offer simple funeral packages or direct cremation, which skips the service and can cost thousands less than a traditional funeral. ^{Footnote [2]}
4. Look for council-run services - some councils offer low-cost funeral options, often for non-religious burials or simple cremations. These services are more basic, but respectful and can be much cheaper than private arrangements.
5. Avoid rushing decisions - unless there’s a cultural or religious reason, take time to compare options. Quick decisions under pressure often lead to higher costs. Funeral directors should never pressure you into extras you don’t want.