Some travel and transport costs can be paid as part of Funeral Support Payment.
Costs should only be awarded if you think they’re reasonable. You should look at the facts of each case when judging whether the costs are reasonable.
In some cases, the burial or cremation may take place outside the person who died’s local authority area.
When this happens, you may need to compare the applicant’s actual travel costs to what their costs would have been had the funeral taken place in the person who died’s local authority area.
Read the local authority cost comparison guidance for further information.
Funeral Support Payment will cover the cost of one return journey either:
The applicant can choose which journey we pay for. However, the amount awarded should be capped at the cost of one return journey from the applicant’s home to the place of burial/cremation.
There can be multiple parts to the journey. For example, a bus to the train station, a train journey to the funeral and then the same transport home.
If the applicant travelled to the funeral in a limousine or car provided by the funeral director, these costs are covered as part of the flat-rate payment.
If the applicant has submitted travel costs to arrange or attend a funeral outside the UK, please raise a case query with the Decision Support Team to determine whether these costs can be paid.
We consider public transport or travel by car to be reasonable, but there could be situations where other transport is necessary.
You do not need to ask for evidence if the cost is under £50. However, if you’re uncertain whether the cost is reasonable, you can ask the applicant for evidence. For example, a £35 train ticket receipt.
In some cases where the cost is over £50, you may need to ask for evidence. Before requesting evidence, find out the average cost for the journey.
Things to consider when deciding whether the applicant’s travel costs are reasonable:
The applicant might give these details in their application. If they do not, then you should ask for these details when you call them.
If you’re uncertain whether the cost of the journey is reasonable, ask the applicant for evidence.
After the call takes place, update the funeral travel evidence with the new information.
There are usually two journeys that the body makes in preparation for the funeral:
Journey 1 is from the place where the body is located to either:
Journey 2 is from the funeral director’s premises, or the place where the body is lying, to the funeral.
We will not cover the cost of the first 49.7 miles of either journey (80km). However, if either journey is over 49.7 miles of travel, any necessary costs after the first 49.7 miles can be paid.
For example, if journey 1 is 40 miles and journey 2 is 120 miles, the applicant should be awarded transport costs for 70.3 miles.
For journey 2, costs include the vehicle transporting the coffin and bearers, as well as one other vehicle.
If the applicant travelled to the funeral in a limousine or car provided by the funeral director, these costs are covered as part of the flat-rate payment.
If a funeral director is being used, you should ask them the length of both journeys and the costs charged to the applicant. Any necessary costs after the first 49.7 miles should be paid.
If a funeral director is not being used to transport the body, you should ask the applicant the length of both journeys and the costs they incurred. Any necessary costs after the first 49.7 miles should be paid.
If you’re not sure whether the transportation of the body costs were necessary, please raise a case query with the Decision Support Team to determine whether these costs can be paid.
When transporting the body to where it will lie before the funeral, only travel costs within the UK can be paid.
When transporting the body to the funeral itself, some travel costs outside the UK may be considered.
Please raise a case query with the Decision Support Team if you’re uncertain about what transportation of the body costs can be paid.