Paying for a funeral

Funeral costs can include:

• funeral director fees
• things the funeral director pays for on your behalf, like crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
• local council burial or cremation fees

How to pay for a funeral

The funeral can be paid for:

• from a financial scheme the person had, like a pre-paid funeral plan or insurance policy
• by you, or other family members or friends
• with money from the person's estate, such as savings they had

Check if there is a pre-paid funeral plan, life insurance or savings to cover the costs of the funeral. This can include whether a burial plot has already been paid for in a churchyard or cemetery. You could look for papers at home or discuss with other relatives who might know.

Help with funeral costs

You can apply for a Funeral Support Payment to help towards funeral costs.

Find more information on who can apply apply for Funeral Support Payment.

If you do not qualify for a Funeral Support Payment

There are other bereavement benefits available to help you cope with money after a death.

Citizens Advice Scotland can offer help and advice if you have money worries or questions about benefits. You can:

• get benefits advice on the Citizens Advice Scotland website
• find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for advice in person

Burials and cremation fees for children's funerals

Local councils do not charge a burial or cremation fee when a child has died. From 1 April 2021 this applies for all children under 18 years old, including babies where they've been stillborn.

Contact your local council for more information.