You may be able to apply for a contribution from the social fund, to help towards the cost of the funeral service.

Each application is based on its own merit and funds will be allocated accordingly.

The contribution from the social fund will normally only cover the charges of the burial authority or crematorium and a proportion of the funeral directors charges.

It is highly unlikely that the contribution from the social fund will cover the cost of the funeral as a whole.

You can make a claim if you are responsible for making the funeral arrangements and you or your partner are receiving any of the following:

1. Income Support
2. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
3. Pension Credit
4. Housing Benefit
5. Council Tax Benefit
6. Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award
7. Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element

Applicants should check with their local DWP office as to which benefits apply.
For more information contact the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk

When the death is registered the Registrar will provide you with a Registration of Death certificate (Form BD8) which is required to make a claim from the social fund. This should be taken to your local DWP office with the following documents (if they are available).

· Deceased’s Birth Certificate
· A Marriage Certificate (where applicable)
· National Insurance Contribution Card
· DWP Pension or Allowance books
· Social Fund Claim Form (SF200)
· The final account from the Funeral Director

The claim can be made up to three months after the death but it is advisable to do this as soon as possible. The payment from the fund is usually in the form of a Giro Cheque and normally payable to the Funeral Director.

Any payment which is made from the fund can be recovered by the DWP should funds become available from the deceased estate.