Bank direct payments, Funeral Expenses Payment, pre-paid plans, and what to do when the estate cannot cover the cost.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Funeral Planning guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 12 min.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take money from the deceased's bank account to pay for the funeral?
You cannot simply withdraw money from the account yourself — that would be unlawful. However, most banks will pay the funeral director directly from the deceased's account before probate is granted, provided you show them the death certificate and a funeral invoice. This is a long-standing banking practice, not a legal right, so the bank has discretion. Call the deceased's bank as soon as you have the death certificate and ask specifically about their funeral payment process.
What if the bank refuses to pay the funeral director?
If the bank declines, you have several options: pay from your own funds and reclaim from the estate once probate is granted; ask the funeral director if they will defer payment pending probate (many will, especially for established local firms); apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you or a close relative is on qualifying benefits; or ask other family members to share the cost temporarily. Keep all receipts — the estate must reimburse you as a priority debt.
How long does the Funeral Expenses Payment take to arrive?
You must apply within 6 months of the funeral, even if you are waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit. You can claim before the funeral if you have an invoice or signed contract from the funeral director, and DWP can pay the funeral director directly if the funeral has not yet been paid for.
Can the executor pay themselves back for funeral costs?
Yes. Funeral costs are a priority debt of the estate — they rank above almost all other debts, including unsecured creditors. Once the estate has funds available (after probate is granted), the executor can reimburse themselves for any funeral costs they paid personally. Keep all receipts and include the reimbursement in the estate accounts.
What if the estate is insolvent and cannot repay the funeral costs?
If the estate is insolvent (debts exceed assets), funeral costs are still treated as a priority — they are paid before unsecured creditors. However, if the estate has no assets at all, there may simply be nothing to pay from. In that case, the person who paid the funeral costs personally may not be reimbursed. This is one reason why checking the estate's financial position early is important before committing to expensive funeral arrangements.
Does the Funeral Expenses Payment cover the full cost of a funeral?
Rarely. The payment covers specific items (burial/cremation fees, travel, moving the body) plus up to £1,000 for other expenses such as the funeral director's fees and coffin. The average funeral in England costs £4,200–£5,100, so FEP typically covers only a portion. Any money available from the estate is deducted from the payment.
Can I use a credit card to pay for the funeral and claim it back?
Yes, but be careful. If you pay by credit card and then reclaim from the estate, make sure you repay the card before interest accrues — the estate reimburses the capital cost, not the interest charges. More importantly, if the estate turns out to be insolvent, you will not be reimbursed and will be left with the credit card debt personally.