Support for child funeral costs (Children’s Funeral Fund for England)

The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for some of the costs of a funeral for a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.

It is not means-tested: what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.

The burial or cremation must take place in England.

What the fund covers

The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help pay for the:

• burial fees
• cremation fees, including the cost of a doctor’s certificate
• coffin, shroud or casket (up to a cost of £300)

If you have other funeral expenses, you might be able to apply for Funeral Expenses Payment to cover them. You or your partner must be getting certain benefits - check if you’re eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment.

How claiming works

The fees for the burial or cremation can be claimed directly by the burial or cremation provider - you should not be charged. How to claim for some other expenses (for example, the coffin) depends on if you are using a funeral director or not.

Claims must be made within 6 months of the funeral.

If you are using a funeral director

You do not need to submit any claims yourself.

The burial or cremation provider can claim for the fees of a burial or cremation. The money will be paid directly to them.

Your funeral director can claim for some other funeral expenses (for example, the coffin). The money will be paid directly to them.

If you are not using a funeral director

The burial or cremation provider can claim for the fees of a burial or cremation. The money will be paid directly to them.