Losing a child is unimaginably painful. The last thing any parent should have to worry about is the cost of arranging a funeral. Fortunately, the UK has government schemes in place to cover the essential burial and cremation fees for children, and many funeral directors offer reduced rates.
This guide explains everything you need to know about arranging a child's funeral in the UK, including costs, government support, charitable organisations, and practical guidance.
Children's Funeral Fund (England)
Since July 2019, the Children's Funeral Fund for England has covered the cost of burial and cremation fees for all children under 18. This was introduced by the government following a campaign by parents who had experienced the financial burden of losing a child.
### What the Fund Covers
The Children's Funeral Fund pays for:
- Cremation fees — including the cremation itself and any doctor's certificate fees
- Burial fees — including the burial plot and grave-digging
- Doctor's certificate fees — the fees for the medical certificates required for cremation
The fund is not means-tested — every family in England automatically qualifies, regardless of income.
### What the Fund Does NOT Cover
The fund does NOT cover funeral director costs, which typically include:
- Coffin or casket
- Transport (hearse / funeral cars)
- Funeral director's professional fees
- Flowers
- Order of service sheets
- Catering
- Venue hire for a service
These costs are typically £1,000–£2,500 for a child's funeral, though many funeral directors significantly reduce their fees.
### How to Apply
The funeral director applies to the Children's Funeral Fund on your behalf. You do not need to submit a separate claim. Simply tell your funeral director that the deceased was a child under 18 and they will handle the application through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Scotland: Children's Funeral Fund and Funeral Support Payment
Children's Funeral Fund (Scotland) — The Scottish Government covers burial and cremation fees for children under 18, mirroring the English scheme. This includes:
- Burial fees
- Cremation fees
- Associated medical fees
Funeral Support Payment — Administered by Social Security Scotland, this can help with wider funeral costs including:
- Funeral director fees
- Transport
- Coffin
- Other necessary expenses
This is means-tested, but if you are on certain benefits or on a low income, you may qualify. Applications can be made online through mygov.scot or by calling Social Security Scotland.
Wales: Children's Funeral Fund for Wales
The Welsh Government's Children's Funeral Fund covers burial and cremation fees for children under 18 in Wales. The scheme operates similarly to England's — the funeral director applies on your behalf.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland does not have a dedicated Children's Funeral Fund. Families can apply to the Social Fund Funeral Payment which is means-tested and covers certain funeral costs.
- The payment must be repaid from the deceased's estate if there are sufficient funds
- It covers burial or cremation fees, travel, death certificates, and certain other expenses
- Check with your local Social Security / Jobs & Benefits office for the current rules
Campaigners continue to call for Northern Ireland to introduce a dedicated children's funeral fund similar to the rest of the UK.
Typical Costs for a Child's Funeral
Even with government support covering burial and cremation fees, there are still costs to consider:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Funeral director services | £1,000 – £3,000 (often reduced) |
| Coffin / casket | £150 – £500 |
| Flowers | £100 – £500 |
| Service / venue hire | £150 – £500 |
| Order of service sheets | £50 – £150 |
| Catering | £100 – £300 |
| Total (typical out-of-pocket) | £1,000 – £2,500 |
Many funeral directors offer child funerals at-cost or at a significantly reduced fee. Do not be afraid to ask about discounts — the overwhelming majority of funeral directors will do what they can to help.
Charitable Organisations That Can Help
Several charities provide practical and financial support for families arranging a child's funeral:
Child Funeral Charity — Provides practical support, including financial grants towards funeral costs, memory-making, and emotional support. One of the few charities specifically helping with funeral costs for children.
The Lullaby Trust — Supports families who have lost a baby suddenly and unexpectedly (SUDI / SIDS). Provides bereavement support, a dedicated helpline, and information on funeral planning for babies.
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) — Supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth. Offers free bereavement support, information on funeral options for babies, and memory-making resources.
Child Bereavement UK — Supports families when a child dies or when a child faces bereavement. Offers a confidential helpline, resources, and local support groups.
Winston's Wish — The UK's leading childhood bereavement charity. Supports children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling, and provides guidance for parents on helping surviving siblings cope with grief.
4Louis — Provides memory boxes to hospitals and bereavement services for families who lose a baby. These contain keepsakes like handprints, photographs, and memory books.
Grief Encounter — Offers counselling and support for children and young people who have experienced bereavement.
The Lullaby Trust, Sands, and Child Bereavement UK all have specialist bereavement support workers who can help with practical funeral planning advice.
Practical Considerations for a Child's Funeral
There is no "right" or "wrong" way to arrange a child's funeral. Many families find comfort in creating a personalised, meaningful service:
White and pastel coffins — Coffins for children are available in white, cream, soft pink, blue, or other pastel shades. Some companies make coffins decorated with butterflies, stars, or other gentle designs.
Personalisation — Handprints, artwork, favourite colours, toys, blankets, or music can be incorporated into the service. Many funeral directors are experienced in creating child-appropriate funeral arrangements.
Memory keepsakes — Lockets with a small amount of hair, handprint kits, memory bears made from clothing, and fingerprint jewellery are all ways to create lasting mementos.
Planting a tree — Some families choose to plant a tree as a living memorial, which can be a focus for remembrance in years to come.
Charitable donations — Instead of or in addition to flowers, many families ask for donations to a relevant charity such as Sands, The Lullaby Trust, or a local children's hospice.
Involving siblings — It is entirely a personal decision, but many professionals recommend allowing siblings to participate in a way that feels comfortable — choosing a favourite song, writing a message, drawing a picture for the coffin. Specialist charities like Winston's Wish and Child Bereavement UK can advise.
Support organisations for parents and siblings — Don't hesitate to reach out to the organisations listed above. Bereavement support is available free of charge and is not time-limited — you can access it years later if needed.
Legal Aspects
Parental Bereavement Leave — Since 2020, employed parents are entitled to 2 weeks of paid Parental Bereavement Leave following the death of a child under 18. This applies across the UK.
Registering the death — The process is similar to registering an adult's death. You will need to register with the local registrar within 5 days (in England and Wales; 8 days in Scotland; 5 days in Northern Ireland). Registrars are generally very accommodating and understanding. Your hospital bereavement office will guide you through this.
Coroner involvement — If the death was unexpected, the coroner may be involved. This can add delays, but the hospital or GP should keep you informed.
What to Do First
If you have lost a child, here is a step-by-step guide to what to do:
1. Contact your GP or the hospital bereavement office — They will guide you through the immediate practical steps, including death certification and registration
2. Contact a funeral director — Many offer reduced rates for children's funerals. Ask clearly about the Children's Funeral Fund and what costs will remain
3. Check the Children's Funeral Fund — The funeral director will handle this; confirm that they will apply
4. Reach out to support organisations — Sands, Child Bereavement UK, The Lullaby Trust, and others have helplines staffed by trained professionals who understand exactly what you are going through
5. Take your time — There is no rush. You do not have to plan everything at once. Funeral directors will work at your pace
Helplines
Related Guides
For more information on funeral costs and planning, see our related guides:
- [Funeral Grants and Financial Help](/blog/funeral-grants-financial-help-uk)
- [Funeral Poverty in the UK](/blog/funeral-poverty-uk-cost-of-dying-crisis)
- [Grief and Bereavement Support](/blog/grief-and-bereavement-support-uk-guide)
- [How to Arrange a DIY Funeral](/blog/how-to-arrange-a-diy-funeral-uk-guide)
- [What to Do When Someone Dies](/blog/what-to-do-when-someone-dies-checklist)
- [Average Cost of a Funeral in the UK 2026](/blog/average-cost-of-a-funeral-uk-2026)