Funeral costs I can't afford
Funerals can be expensive but help may be available if you can't afford to pay.
Benefits and grants
For information on the help that might be available to you through benefits, charitable grants and other help, see Your Situation: Bereaved
Quaker Social Action (QSA) resources
Quaker Social Action (QSA), a charity that works with people on low incomes in east London and across the UK, has been a key campaigner on funeral poverty for the past 10 years. It has information on its website to help you plan an affordable funeral and find help with the costs.
If the funeral has not taken place
If you are on benefits or a low income, QSA's Down to Earth service can support you to find a meaningful funeral that is more affordable. The charity mainly does this by phone but you can also make initial contact by email. The experienced team support thousands of people across the UK to look at their options, keep costs down and identify ways to raise money for a funeral.
If the funeral has taken place
QSA provides information and guidance on its website to support you when faced with debt following a funeral. This includes a guide to Raising money towards funeral costs
Emotional support
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, especially while the coronavirus lockdown is in place and you may not be able to easily access your usual support networks.
The national charity Cruse Bereavement Care has resources and information on its website, including a section on Coronavirus: Dealing with bereavement and grief
Other sources of information and support include:
Updated: 17 April 2020
Reviewed: December 2020