The Child Funeral Fund
The Child Funeral Fund provides a one-off lump sum payment to cover the expense of a funeral after the death of a child under the age of 18, or stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Eligibility
The Child Funeral Fund is available regardless of the income of the claimant but is dependent on certain criteria. The claimant must have accepted responsibility for the funeral costs.
You can get help towards the expenses of a funeral if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- the child had not reached their 18th birthday at the time of their death
- the child was stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy
- the burial or cremation takes place anywhere within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland following a service or ceremony in Northern Ireland
- the claim is made within 6 months of the date of funeral
- you have taken responsibility for the funeral expenses
You can find further information on registering a death or stillbirth with the General Registers Office
How much you’ll get
The Child Funeral Fund, is a one-off lump sum payment of £3,056.00, which can be paid either directly to the Funeral Director or you, or split between both.
What you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.
You do not need to be getting benefits to apply.
Effect on entitlement to other schemes or benefits
There is no entitlement to the Child Funeral Fund if you have already received a payment from any other Government funeral expenses or bereavement schemes. This includes any Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts, such as a Trust-organised cremation.
The Child Funeral Fund will not affect any benefits you currently receive.
The Child Funeral Fund is not taxable and will not be included as income for tax credit purposes.
How you claim
Call the Bereavement Service helpline. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to make the claim.
If you use sign language, you might be able to use the video relay service to apply for The Child Funeral Fund using British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL). To access the service go to:
You can also download an application form
Help and support
If you would like independent help and advice, you can visit any independent advice office or contact Advice NI
If the deceased was over the age of 18 and you are on a low income you may be able to get help with the payment of the funeral through the Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
You can also contact the Make the Call service to help you get all the benefits, services and supports you are entitled to.