Funeral Expenses Payment Increase In 2020

There is going to be an increase in the value of funeral expense payments that currently sit at around £700, but will be boosted to £1000 this year.

The announcement of the increase in the amount was made by the Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, on 5 November 2019, he said:

“Everyone wants to give their loved ones a dignified send-off, and this money will help pay for the personal touches that enable a family to say goodbye properly.”

Will Quince had also been campaigning for an extension on bereavement leave for parents of children who have died under the age of 18, which he has successfully seen through and will be introduced this year too.

The Funeral Expense Payment was put in place to support families who need that financial boost from the government when trying to plan and pay for a funeral for a loved one. Those who qualify for the payment also receive funds to cover the cost of a burial plot, cremation fees, transport, death certificates and other paperwork.

The boost to Funeral Expenses Payment has been approved and celebrated by the National Association of Funeral Directors, National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors and several bereavement support organisations, including Cruse Bereavement Care, Widowed and Young and Together4ShortLives.

If you are not sure whether you are entitled to the funeral expense payment or need more information, you can find out more here.