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Undoubtedly, one of life's most challenging experiences is losing a loved one. Amidst the emotional challenges, the practical aspects of arranging a funeral can seem overwhelming, particularly when it comes to covering the associated costs.

As a low-cost cremations provider, we believe that, in moments of grief, financial concerns should be the least of your worries. Fortunately, there are several avenues available to help ease the burden of funeral expenses. Read on to discover how to get help with funeral costs.

How much does a funeral cost, and what’s included?

Navigating the practicalities of arranging a funeral can add an extra layer of stress during an already difficult time. With the price of a funeral rising every year, a concern for many families is the cost associated with commemorating their loved one's memory.

Understanding the three main types of funerals in the UK and their corresponding expenses, can help in planning ahead.

  1. Traditional burial

    According to the 2025 Sunlife Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of a burial in the UK in 2024 was £5,198 *. The price of a burial can to differ between regions.

    A traditional burial typically includes services such as embalming, viewing or visitation, a ceremony at a place of worship or funeral home, transportation of the body, a casket and burial.

  2. Cremation

    Cremation is cheaper than burial on average, with the average cost being £3,980 for 2024 *.

    Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes through intense heat. Unlike a traditional burial, cremation does not require a headstone or burial plot, making it a more affordable option for many families. However, additional costs may still apply for services such as urns, memorial ceremonies, or scattering of ashes.

  3. Direct cremation

    Direct cremation is the most affordable funeral option available in the UK, when compared with both traditional burials and cremations. The average cost of a direct cremation in 2024 was £1,597 *.

    Direct cremation is a simple, fuss-free, and cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral services. It typically involves the cremation of the deceased without a formal viewing or ceremony. Additionally, we offer direct cremation plans to cater to those planning ahead.

    While it may not have the traditional rituals associated with a funeral, direct cremation offers a dignified and respectful solution for families seeking a more economical option.

*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

Who pays for a funeral?

The responsibility for covering funeral expenses typically falls on the deceased's estate or surviving family members. Often, utilising the funds from the deceased’s estate can be a time-consuming process, especially if assets need to be sold.

However, navigating the financial aspects of a funeral can be challenging, particularly for those facing financial hardship. Many families and individuals in the UK don’t have the privilege of an estate to rely on. During this challenging time, getting help with funeral costs can provide much-needed support and reassurance.

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How to get help with funeral costs

While the prospect of covering funeral expenses may seem daunting, there are various avenues available to help ease the financial burden. Whether through government support, local council schemes, charitable organisations, or funeral plans, support is available to ensure that every individual receives a dignified farewell, regardless of financial circumstances.

Government Schemes

In the UK, the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme offers crucial financial support to individuals facing difficulties in covering funeral costs. However, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify for this assistance. You will need to:

  • get certain benefits or tax credits
  • meet the rules on your relationship with the deceased
  • be arranging a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

The benefits you, or your partner, must claim:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • the disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • You might also be eligible if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan

According to the government eligibility information page, you can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment if you’ve applied for these benefits and you’re waiting to hear about your claim.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Funeral Expenses Payment can help with essential expenses, including:

  • Cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor's certificate
  • Travel expenses for making funeral arrangements or attending the service
  • Transportation costs within the UK if the body needs to be moved over 50 miles
  • Necessary documents like death certificates

Additionally, you may be eligible to receive up to £1,000 to cover other funeral expenses such as fees charged by the funeral director, floral arrangements, or the coffin itself.

In Scotland, a similar scheme exists, known as the Funeral Support Payment. It provides the same vital assistance to those in need during challenging times.

Local Council Schemes

Local councils may provide assistance for individuals who pass away with no known next of kin, or whose families are unable to cover funeral expenses. Public Health Funerals are arranged and funded by the local authority to ensure that everyone receives a dignified farewell.

While these funerals are typically simple in nature, they offer a compassionate solution for those in need.

Charities

Certain charities offer financial assistance specifically for families who have lost a child. The Child Funeral Charity provides support to help cover the costs associated with burying or cremating a child under the age of 18. Though expenses for burials and cremations are met largely by government funding, the Child Funeral Charity funds elements of the funeral not covered by the government fund. This can include:

  • funeral vehicles
  • floral tributes
  • a memorial plaque
  • a memory bear
  • order of service sheets

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable funeral option in the UK. At Distinct Cremations, this option starts at just £1,299.

Since the cremation takes place without traditional elements like an attended service, opting for a direct cremation can significantly reduce funeral costs.

As well as being a low cost option, a direct cremation offers families the freedom to celebrate their loved one in a more personal way. You may choose to celebrate at home or at a place of significance, saying goodbye in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Funeral plans

A funeral plan is a prepaid arrangement that allows individuals and families to plan and pay for a funeral in advance. It’s a proactive approach to end-of-life planning that ensures final wishes are documented and financially secured, providing peace of mind for both the plan holder and their loved ones.

One of the key benefits of a funeral plan is financial security. By paying for funeral expenses through a series of monthly instalment payments, you can cover the costs of future services more manageably. This can help alleviate the financial burden on family members, and ensure that funds are readily available when needed.

Unattended Direct Cremation Plan

From £1,899
or £19.79* per month

Celebrate a life without the restrictions of a funeral

  • A simple, dignified and
    affordable option
  • No formal service or
    attendees present
Find out more

Funeral Service Plan

From £2,399
or £27.51** per month

Two simple service options for a family-led send off

  • A choice between a 30 or a 60 minute service
  • A choice between a family led or celebrant led service
Find out more

Arrange a funeral today

From £1,299

For those whose loved one has died or is near death

  • One call will set everything in place
  • Our caring team will take care of everything

* Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,374.80 and includes administration fees. ** Price is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,301.20 and includes admin fees.

For additional pricing information and a full list of our optional extras, please see our price list.

Here’s an idea of what you can expect from a direct cremation plan with Distinct Cremations:

✅ Collection of the deceased 24/7 from anywhere in mainland Great Britain .
✅ Expert care at our modern, professional mortuary facility.
✅ Thoughtful preparation of the deceased for cremation.
✅ Assistance for deceased's loved ones with all necessary legal and cremation documentation.
✅ Round-the-clock support from our compassionate customer service team.
✅ Dignified transportation of the deceased via a private ambulance.
✅ Provision of a classic wood coffin.
✅ A cremation service conducted with utmost respect and dignity.
✅ The scattering of ashes in our serene crematorium remembrance gardens or personal hand-delivery within 14 days.

Paying with the bank funds of the deceased

In certain situations, funds from the bank account of the deceased can be utilised to cover funeral expenses. However, accessing these funds typically requires specific documentation, including a death certificate and evidence of your relationship to the deceased.

When seeking to access funds from the deceased's bank account, it's generally necessary to provide:

  • Proof of your own identity,
  • A valid death certificate,
  • Adequate evidence demonstrating your relationship to the deceased,
  • An invoice for funeral expenses, bearing your name.

It's important to note that if you had access to the deceased person's bank accounts prior to their passing, using this information without proper authorisation can potentially lead to legal complications. It's advisable to contact the bank and arrange for payment through the appropriate channels to prevent any issues from arising. This ensures a respectful and lawful handling of the deceased's affairs during a sensitive time.

Save on funeral costs with a direct cremation

Direct cremation

With a direct cremation, there is no service or formal ceremony, which saves on costs and offers families the freedom to celebrate their loved one in a more personal way. If you want a funeral plan, there is also the flexibility to pay over a period of months or years.

A direct cremation plan allows you to tailor arrangements to your unique preferences, and celebrate the life of the deceased when the time is right.

Explore direct cremation

Other helpful resources

Learn more about organising a funeral and how to make paying for a funeral as affordable as possible. If you need to arrange a funeral straight away, give our compassionate team a call on 01543 211997.

Paying for a funeral: 7 ways to help

Cremation costs

Concern about paying for a funeral is often centred around having the funds available at the time of need to cover the burial or cremation costs. If you're worried arranging a funeral will stretch your finances, there may be alternative ways to pay.

Find out more

Arranging a funeral: step-by-step guidance

Senior lady arranging a funeral plan

Arranging a funeral during an already difficult time can be challenging. If you do have to arrange a funeral, knowing what to do and how to handle things can make a big difference. At Distinct Cremations, we do everything we can to make things as stress-free as possible.

Find out more

Life insurance or a funeral plan: which one is best?

Man completing paperwork following with support

When researching later-life financial planning options, you may be considering funeral plans or life insurance. Both options allow you the peace of mind that your family will be supported financially but in different ways.

Find out more

What our customers say about us

We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.

4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Tracy MacDonald, on Feefo 1 Sep 2025
The service we received from the beginning of this journey for our family, to receiving our dad's ashes was nothing but exemplary. Dad wanted a direct cremation with no fuss, just a celebration of life with his fanily. I couldn't recommend them enough.
Christopher John Gardner, on Feefo 26 Aug 2025
From the day that Dad passed away and we contacted Distinct Cremations I cannot fault their service at a very difficult time. From the first phone call everything has been so professional and sensitively dealt with thanks to the wonderful Kerry Ludlow who has guided us through every step of the way right up to a beautiful send off at the crematorium on Friday. I cannot praise them enough, thank you so much Distinct Cremations, and for a no frills, affordable funeral you are simply the best.
David John Smith, on Feefo 23 Aug 2025
Throughout the difficult process of coming to terms with the passing of my Mum, Distinct has been there for me from the beginning to the end of the process showing compassion and empathy. I cannot fault the level of care and assistance that they provided at all times and kept in contact regularly always with a kind word. I would highly recommend Distinct to anyone.
Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Aug 2025
very helpful polite and explained everything well.
Stephen Barber, on Trustpilot 16 Aug 2025
An affordable, no-nonsense funeral plan.
Anonymous, on Feefo 16 Aug 2025
Distinct Cremations were absolutely wonderful, when my loved one passed. My loved one was treated with the utmost dignity and respect. From start to finish they communicated with me on the whole process, whilst also checking the family were OK. Sarah Miller and the rest of the team were so kind right to the end, and after my loved ones ashes were returned to us by Sophie, who showed us so much kindness, at a very sad time. Thank you all for everything you helped me and my family with.
Stephen, on Trustpilot 11 Aug 2025
After researching various companies I recently decided to sign up with Distinct Cremations for a payment plan for myself and am very satisfied with my choice. Communication and information was excellent and the staff I spoke with on more than one occasion were very polite, courteous and professional, answering all my questions. (P.S. Not to be confused with another company of a similar sounding name!)
Catherine Johnson, on Google 5 Aug 2025
Both my parents had plans with Distinct Cremations and both have now died. In both instances the service I received was considerate, prompt and made things as simple as possible. I was talked through the necessary paperwork, which involved the coroner in one instance, and was kept fully informed throughout the entire process up to and after the cremation. A plan with Distinct Cremations took away a lot of admin and decision making and I would recommend them wholeheartedly.
4.9/5
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4.9/5
Google g icon
4.8/5
Trustpilot logo
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