On top of the stress of mourning someone you love, there can also be the worry of about finding the money for a funeral, especially if it was unexpected.

Many people fall between being ineligible for governmental help with funeral expenses, but still unable to afford even a basic funeral when the cost often runs to several thousand pounds.

Check for prepaid funeral plans

Before turning to crowdfunding or any other support, it helps to check whether the person who died had a funeral plan. Some people take out a plan years before they need it and families often do not know. Look through their paperwork, bank statements and any files kept with a will. If a plan exists, contact the provider as soon as you can. It may cover all or part of the funeral. Even a small amount can ease pressure at a very vulnerable moment. If you can’t find any details with their other important documents, you can use the NAFPP free Find My Plan tool which is a single online search form to trace any lost prepaid funeral plan.
 

Consider crowdfunding

As the cost of living is already steep some people are turning to crowdfunding. There is no shame in asking for help and often many people want to help but don’t know how, but small donations can sometimes make a big difference in closing your funding gap.

According to a recent report, the average cost of a basic funeral in 2025 is £4,285, up significantly in recent years. When you include all the other costs, the total can be double at or more.

Because of this, more families are choosing to crowdfund. In 2024, around 6 per cent of funeral organisers said they used a platform such as GoFundMe or JustGiving to raise money. People are sharing the story of their loved one, explaining what they need the money for, and inviting others to contribute. These platforms guide you through how to set up the page, write the appeal and collect donations.

When a community or strangers come together, it reminds the bereaved that they are not alone. There is absolutely no failure in seeking that kindness, especially when the cost of saying goodbye is so high.

Still, there are some things to consider. Platforms may charge fees, or take a cut when funds are withdrawn. Make sure you understand how much of what you raise will actually go to funeral expenses. Be realistic about timing too: when the platform releases the money might not line up with when you need to pay invoices.

Setting up a fundraising page means deciding how much you reveal: who your loved one was, your situation, the funeral costs. That can feel very raw. Think carefully about what you share. You don’t need to tell everything, but you’ll probably want to give enough to explain why you need help.

Some families choose to post updates on how the money is used, a thank-you message, or a note once the funeral has happened. That can help give closure to donors and reassure everyone that the funds were used with care.

While crowdfunding is becoming common, it is not the only way to ease the burden. There is government help for people who struggle. For instance, if you’re on certain benefits you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment. Marie Curie This doesn’t always cover everything, and only some people qualify, but it can make a real difference.

Public health funerals

Another option is a public health funeral, arranged by the local council when someone dies without money or next of kin. However the below three tests must be met:

• no funeral arrangements have yet been made
• no relatives of the deceased can be found, or
• the relatives of the deceased cannot or will not arrange a funeral.

Public Health funerals are modest, but they ensure a person is treated with dignity. To find out about this you need to contact your local council

If you're planning ahead for yourself or arranging a funeral service for now, you can use The Farewell Guide to search for local providers
 

Further reading

How To Find A Loved One’s Prepaid Funeral Plan
Compare Funeral Costs and Funeral Directors with The Farewell Guide