If there is no estate to cover the funeral expenses, and all close relatives of the deceased are claiming benefits, you may be entitled to help with some of the cost of the funeral. Bear in mind that the Social Fund will not reimburse the full cost of a funeral.
The Department of Work and Pensions will take your application for help with paying over the phone on 0345 60 60 625 – option #2. To apply by post, contact Jobcentre Plus and ask for the notes entitled ‘Funeral Payment from the Social Fund’ and form SF200 Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. You can also download these forms from this site: www.gov.uk/funeral-payments.
If you are not in receipt of benefits and are unable to cover the funeral expenses, explain your position to the hospital or your local council. They will find a dignified solution for you.
If you wish to use Leverton & Sons and require a payment plan, we can consider repayments over a maximum of 12 months. To find a solution, please contact us and we’ll try to help.
Fair Funerals Pledge:
We are proud to have signed up to the Fair Funerals Pledge to help tackle the problem of funeral poverty. The Pledge is to:
1. Recognise funerals can be expensive and many people struggle with the cost.
2. Make our most affordable funeral package visible to the public, including third party costs.
3. Charge clear prices for goods and services so people know what they’re buying. Communicate costs in initial conversations and prominently display full price lists.
Email: fairfunerals@qsa.org.uk
Phone: 0208 983 5051
Website: www.fairfuneralscampaign.org.uk
