Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about applying to charities for help with funeral costs.
Will charities help with funeral costs?
Some charities may be able to give grants to help towards the cost of a funeral.
What charities help with funeral costs?
There are a variety of different charities that may help. Some are related to the work or profession of the person applying or the person who has died, and others can provide financial support depending on characteristics such as your age, location, gender or nationality.
How can I find charities I might be able to apply to?
You can do an internet search using key words about professions and use online grants search tools such as Turn2us or Lightning Reach to see what may be available to you.
How much will charities give?
They all give different levels of grants. Some smaller charities will only be able to contribute a much smaller amount whilst larger ones may be able to contribute more. Things like length of time spent in an occupation and financial circumstances are often considered when deciding how much can be awarded. It's possible to apply to several charities at the same time if you are eligible, as they may be able to share funeral costs, but you must let them know what you are doing.
I have paid the bill; will charities reimburse me?
Most charities can't reimburse money already paid on a funeral bill so do consider this carefully if you are thinking of borrowing money to pay the bill. If you do need to do this, it's a good idea to check in advance whether they would consider reimbursing you.
See our Grants from work-related charities & organisations and Charities (non-work related) guides for more detailed information.
Who is responsible for funeral costs?
Often, the closest relative to the person who has died will make the funeral arrangements for them, however this is not always possible. Other family members or close friends may choose to make the arrangements. In circumstances where there is no-one willing or able to make funeral arrangements for someone who has died, the local authority where the death happened has a legal duty.
Please see our guide to Council and Hospital Funerals for more detailed information.
For answers to common questions about other ways to raise money towards funeral costs, and other topics, you can return to the main FAQ menu.
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