Introduction of the Child Funeral Fund

The Child Funeral Fund aims to support bereaved families by providing a one-off lump sum payment of £3,056 to cover the expense of a funeral in the event of the death of a child under the age of 18, or stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.

Eligibility

The Child Funeral Fund is not means tested and is therefore available regardless of the income of the claimant who has taken responsibility for the funeral expenses, subject to eligibility criteria:

• the child had not reached their 18th birthday at the time of their death; or

• the child was stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.

• the claim is made within 6 months of the date of funeral.

• the claimant has taken responsibility for the funeral expenses.

The payment is paid either directly to the Funeral Director or the claimant, or split between both.

Applications can be made by phone by contacting the Bereavement Service on Freephone: 0800 085 2463.

Sign language users can access video relay services via https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/bereavement-service

Further information and an application form is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/child-funeral-fund