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Written by Adam McIlroy.
18 minute read
Article reviewed by James Daley, Managing Director at Fairer Finance on October 31, 2025.
Funerals are usually paid for using money from the estate of the person who has died. Banks can often pay funeral directors directly before probate is granted. Other options include savings, insurance, prepaid funeral plans and family contributions. If money is limited, you may also qualify for government help with funeral costs.
When arranging a funeral for someone you love, understanding how to cover the costs can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering whether you can access money from their bank account, what happens if you’re waiting for probate or what support is available.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to pay for a funeral in the UK, including the different ways to manage costs and where to find financial help. At Aura, we’re here to support you, whether you’re arranging a funeral, considering a direct cremation or planning ahead with a prepaid funeral plan.*
*Terms and conditions apply to prepaid funeral plans. You’ll receive a funeral plan summary before purchase.
Key takeaways:
The cost of a funeral in the UK depends on the type of service you choose, where you live and any additional arrangements. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, the average total cost of a traditional UK funeral is around £5,140.
Funeral costs generally fall into two groups:
Choosing between cremation and burial can make a difference to the overall cost, alongside your loved one’s wishes and any religious or personal preferences.
Funeral directors must publish a standardised price list, so it’s worth comparing a few options before making a decision. You can also prepare some questions to ask a funeral director, particularly about what’s included, when payment is due and whether instalments are available.
Keeping a funeral checklist can help you stay organised and manage your budget during what may already be a difficult time.
| Source of money | When it’s available | How quickly | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| The estate (the person’s own money) | After the death is registered | Often within days for the funeral bill | Most banks will pay the funeral director directly before probate |
| A funeral plan the person already had | At the time of death | Immediately, as it’s a service, not a payout | Check exactly what the plan includes |
| Life insurance or over 50s cover | After a claim is made | Usually days to weeks | The payout goes to the beneficiary, who chooses how to use it |
| Your own savings or family contributions | Straight away | Straight away | Agree in writing who’s paying what |
| Funeral Expenses Payment (government) | If you get a qualifying benefit | After the claim is decided | Usually won’t cover the full cost; claim within 6 months |
| Charities, employers, unions or faith communities | Varies | Varies | Often small grants or help with specific costs |
| Crowdfunding | Straight away | Within days | Platforms may take fees |
| Public health funeral (council) | If no one else can arrange or pay | Arranged by the council | Families usually have little say in the arrangements |
There’s no law that says a particular relative must pay for a funeral simply because they’re related to the person who has died. However, understanding the responsibilities of the next of kin and the person arranging the funeral can help avoid unexpected costs.
In most cases:
If several family members are involved, it’s worth agreeing who will cover the costs before making arrangements. Knowing who is responsible for paying for a funeral can help everyone understand their obligations and avoid confusion during an already difficult time.
In most cases, funeral costs can be paid using money left behind by the person who has died. You may be able to access these funds before probate is granted, helping you cover the funeral expenses without having to pay upfront yourself.
Yes, many UK banks and building societies can pay a funeral director directly from the person’s account before probate is granted.
They’ll usually ask for:
Each bank has its own requirements and limits, so it’s worth contacting its bereavement team as soon as possible. Understanding what happens to bank accounts after death can also help you work out what money may be available.
If you’re concerned about timing, funeral expenses can often be settled before probate is granted, although the process will depend on the bank and the circumstances.
If you’ve covered the costs yourself, you can usually claim reasonable funeral expenses back from the estate, provided there are sufficient funds available. Keep all invoices and receipts, and speak to the executor or person managing the estate about reimbursement. It’s worth remembering that repayment may take time, particularly if the estate is still being settled.
Many people don’t have life insurance, and that’s fine. Without it, families usually combine:
If the person who has died had savings, insurance or a prepaid funeral plan, these may help cover the cost of their funeral. Each option works differently, so it’s worth checking what’s available and how to access the money.
Many people put money aside to help pay for their funeral. Savings offer flexibility, allowing you to choose how much to set aside and make changes as your circumstances change.
However, accessing someone’s savings after they die isn’t always straightforward. The bank will usually need proof of death, so the family may need to register the death and obtain a death certificate before funds can be released.
Some banks can pay a funeral director directly before probate is granted, although their requirements vary. It’s also worth remembering that funeral costs may rise over time, meaning the amount saved might not cover everything when the time comes.
A prepaid funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for certain funeral services in advance. You can choose the type of funeral you’d like, helping your family understand your wishes and reducing the financial decisions they may face later.
If your loved one had a funeral plan, contact the provider before making arrangements. They’ll explain what’s covered and help you understand the next steps. Funeral plans vary, so it’s important to check the terms carefully. Some may not include flowers, celebrant fees or other personal touches, which could mean additional costs.
Aura’s funeral plans are designed to provide reassurance, with money held in an independently managed trust. Aura is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and eligible funeral plan customers benefit from Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection.
If you’re considering planning ahead, you can find out more about how funeral plans are protected or compare funeral plan providers. Independent guidance is also available from MoneySavingExpert.
Life insurance and over-50s policies may provide a lump sum when someone dies. This money can help pay for funeral expenses, although it doesn’t have to be used for that purpose.
If your loved one had a policy, contact the insurer to find out how to make a claim. They’ll explain what documents are needed and when you might receive the payment.
It’s worth checking the policy terms, as exclusions, waiting periods and payout arrangements can vary. You can also explore which types of insurance can help cover funeral costs.
Some pension schemes and employers offer a lump-sum death benefit, which may help towards funeral costs.
If the person who has died was employed or receiving a pension, contact their employer or pension provider to ask whether any benefits are available. Eligibility, payment times and who receives the money will depend on the scheme.
The government can sometimes step in and help with funeral and direct cremation prices through various schemes for those who are eligible. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has two state benefits helping those who are eligible: the Bereavement Support Payment and the Funeral Expenses Payment. Your family may also be able to access money from your bank or building society account to pay for your funeral. Most banks will release funds for this purpose before a grant of probate is issued, as long as they’re provided with a death certificate and funeral invoice.
Your family might be able to claim funeral costs in this way, but the support payments generally have eligibility criteria. They may need to be the next-of-kin of the person who has died, or the next-of-kin’s partner, and they will likely already need to be claiming some form of benefit payment from the state before they can claim any support. If they live in Scotland, they can apply for the funeral support payment on the Scottish government website.
These payments can help cover essential costs such as:
Cremation or burial fees
Doctor’s certificates
Transport for the person who has died
Death certificates
Other necessary expenses, with a cap of around £1,000
As a further form of support, veterans of the British military may be eligible for burial benefits and other forms of funeral support; you can learn more about what to do when a veteran dies on the UK government website.
If you’re struggling to cover funeral costs, there may be charities, organisations and community groups that can offer financial or practical support.
Financial worries can feel especially difficult when you’re grieving. If you need someone to talk to, charities such as Sue Ryder offer free bereavement support.
You may also find comfort in connecting with others who have experienced a loss. Local Death Cafés provide an informal space to talk openly about death and dying, while our guidance on coping with grief explores ways to navigate this difficult time.
If you’re unable to cover funeral costs through savings, insurance or financial support, there are other ways to help manage the expense. These include sharing the cost with family, raising money through crowdfunding or considering a loan.
Some families choose to split funeral expenses between relatives, particularly when there isn’t enough money available in the estate.
It can help to discuss what everyone can comfortably contribute and agree on how the costs will be shared before making arrangements. If different opinions arise, our guidance on funeral arrangement disagreements may help you work through them.
Crowdfunding allows friends, family and the wider community to contribute towards funeral expenses. Platforms such as GoFundMe and JustGiving can help you raise money and share your fundraising page with others.
You might choose to include the fundraiser when announcing a death to friends and family, or when sharing details of a memorial or celebration of life.
Some families also organise a sponsored walk, quiz night or other fundraising event inspired by something their loved one enjoyed. This can be a meaningful way to bring people together while helping with costs. Before setting up a fundraiser, check whether the platform charges any fees and how quickly you can access donations.
If you need to pay for a funeral before other funds become available, a personal loan may be an option. However, borrowing usually involves interest, and you’ll need to be confident you can afford the repayments.
It’s worth speaking to your funeral director about payment arrangements before considering a loan. Some may offer instalments, although they may also require a deposit to cover cremation, burial or other third-party fees.
If you’re expecting to pay using money from the estate, ask whether the funeral director can accept payment directly from the person’s bank. Before borrowing, you can also seek free, impartial guidance from MoneyHelper to understand your options and avoid taking on repayments that could cause further financial pressure.
If no one is able or willing to arrange a funeral, the local council may have a duty to step in and arrange a public health funeral.
This is usually a simple cremation or burial, with the council making most of the arrangements. Families may have limited choice over the date, time and type of service, although some councils allow loved ones to attend.
The council can recover funeral costs from the estate if money is available. Family members aren’t automatically responsible for paying simply because they’re related to the person who has died, although anyone who has already agreed to cover funeral expenses may still have a financial obligation.
If you’re wondering how to pay for a funeral with no money, it’s worth exploring any financial support available before making arrangements.
There are several ways to arrange a meaningful farewell while keeping costs manageable. Some options include:
There are also other ways to plan a low-cost funeral without compromising on care or dignity. The most important thing is choosing an arrangement that reflects your loved one’s wishes and feels manageable for your family.
We hope that this article has helped you feel more informed about how to pay for a funeral. If you’re currently organising a funeral for a loved one, we want you to feel as reassured and as well informed as possible. If you’d like Aura’s assistance with arranging a low cost cremation, whether in the here and now or as part of a prepaid funeral plan for the future, our Angel team is always ready to take your call. We are the top-rated provider of ‘Cremation Services’ in the UK, with a score on Trustpilot of 4.9/5 stars. We are ready to offer you our compassionate, people-focused service whenever you need.
The cost of a funeral usually falls to the next of kin or the person arranging it. Sometimes this is covered by the estate of the person who has died. If there are no funds and no one willing or able to pay, the local authority may provide a public health funeral.
The cost can vary depending on the location and whether it’s a burial or cremation. Direct cremations, such as those offered by Aura, are usually much more affordable—often less than half the cost of a traditional funeral.
Yes, but access to savings isn’t always instant. You’ll likely need a death certificate and sometimes a Grant of Probate, which can delay access. Families often pay upfront and reclaim later.
A prepaid funeral plan lets you pay in advance for a funeral, locking in today’s prices. With Aura, your money is held securely in a regulated trust, and your family won’t be left to cover any remaining costs.
Yes. Aura’s plans are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving peace of mind that your money is safe.
Not always. Life insurance pays out a lump sum, but it may not match funeral costs due to inflation or exclusions. A prepaid funeral plan is often a clearer, more cost-effective option specifically for funeral arrangements.
Yes, but only if you’re eligible. You may qualify for help through the Bereavement Support Payment or the Funeral Expenses Payment. Eligibility often depends on whether you receive certain benefits.
Yes. Organisations like Quaker Social Action can point you toward government or charitable funding. Others like Sue Ryder offer emotional support and grief counselling.
Funeral loans are available, but they come with interest and eligibility checks. A funeral plan can help you avoid the need for credit altogether.
Yes. Many families now use sites like GoFundMe or JustGiving to help with funeral expenses. It’s often used alongside other methods, such as family contributions or memorial fundraising.
Yes. Many families share the cost of the funeral equally or according to what each person can afford. Having an honest conversation early on can ease financial pressure later.
If no relatives are available or willing to arrange a funeral, the local council or hospital will step in to provide a public health funeral, typically a simple, unattended cremation.
Absolutely. Many people now choose to plan ahead to spare their families the cost and anxiety. Aura offers prepaid cremation plans that let you take care of everything in advance.