How to get free bereavement support

Last updated 24^th May 2024
4 min read

The death of a loved one can be an especially tough time for family and friends. It’s important to feel supported – both emotionally and financially – after someone has died.

Fortunately, free support and resources are widely available for anyone going through a bereavement. There are also options out there for those facing money worries after a loss.

This guide explains some of the ways that you – or someone you know who’s grieving – can get help when it’s needed the most.

Emotional support

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse(www.cruse.org.uk opens in a new tab) is a charity dedicated to helping bereaved people. For over 60 years, they’ve been providing support and information. Their vision is for a world where everyone grieving is supported, respected, and understood.

Cruse answer more than 30,000 calls to their helpline every year. If you want to chat to someone about how you’re feeling after a bereavement, you can call them for free on 0808 808 1677.

They also have over 80 branches offering local services(www.cruse.org.uk opens in a new tab) across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you’re in Scotland, visit Cruse Scotland(www.crusescotland.org.uk opens in a new tab) for similar support.

Cruse’s website also includes many articles and guides(www.cruse.org.uk opens in a new tab) to help you understand grief and support others.

NHS

The NHS has created a guide to bereavement(www.nhs.uk opens in a new tab). It includes information on the symptoms, helpful things to try, and where to find more support and resources.

You can also get free counselling on the NHS, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can self-refer for this, which means you don’t need to see a GP first.

Find a service local to you on the NHS website(www.nhs.uk opens in a new tab).

Samaritans

Samaritans(www.samaritans.org opens in a new tab) is a charity that offers free, 24/7 support for anyone going through a tough time, no matter what the reasons.

You can call their helpline on 116 123, or send them an email at jo@samaritans.org.

Alternatively, you can visit one of their branches in person, use their online chat, or even write a letter. Find out all the ways to get in touch here(www.samaritans.org opens in a new tab).

Samaritans has also partnered with Cruse Bereavement Support to create ‘Facing the Future’ – a series of free support groups for people bereaved by the suicide of a loved one. Visit their website(www.facingthefuturegroups.org opens in a new tab) to find out more and register.

Age UK

The charity for helping people enjoy later life, Age UK(www.ageuk.org.uk opens in a new tab), has a dedicated webpage(www.ageuk.org.uk opens in a new tab) that answers common questions on coping with bereavement. It also offers tips to deal with the normal feelings that follow the loss of a loved one.

If you’re struggling with loneliness, Age UK can help. You can find and contact one of their local centres here(www.ageuk.org.uk opens in a new tab), or call them for free, any day of the year, on 0800 678 1602.

Other support

Here are just a few of the other places that you can find free emotional support and resources in your time of need:

• At a Loss(www.ataloss.org opens in a new tab) – a website signposting bereavement services, resources, and helplines
• Hospice UK(www.hospiceuk.org opens in a new tab) – the charity for end-of-life care has created guides for coping with grief
• Sudden(sudden.org opens in a new tab) – helpful resources for those bereaved by an unexpected death
• Child Bereavement UK(www.childbereavementuk.org opens in a new tab) – support for parents or children going through a bereavement

Financial support

The government has set up a number of schemes to help those who face money worries after a loved one has died. Some examples of the financial support available are explained below, and you can find a complete list on the GOV.UK website(opens in a new tab).

Bereavement Support Payment

If your husband, wife, or civil partner has died in the past 21 months, you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment. You must be under State Pension age to apply.

Depending on your circumstances, you could receive a first payment of up to £3,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £350 afterwards. To get the full number of payments, you must claim within three months of your partner’s death.

Visit the dedicated GOV.UK webpage(www.gov.uk opens in a new tab) for more information on how Bereavement Support Payment works, how much you may receive, and how to apply.

Funeral Expenses Payment

The government also provides financial support to those arranging a funeral and struggling to pay. Funeral Expenses Payment can cover some of the costs, including burial fees, cremation fees, travel, and documents.

To receive the payment, you must get certain benefits and be closely related to the deceased. The full eligibility requirements – plus more information on the scheme – can be found on the GOV.UK website(www.gov.uk opens in a new tab).

There are other ways to get help with funeral costs. Our article explains some of the loans, charities, and alternatives to consider.

You may also wish to think about SunLife’s Guaranteed Over 50 Plan, which could help to ensure your loved ones don’t face money worries when you’re gone.