Arranging a funeral for someone who served in the Armed Forces? The UK offers dedicated funeral benefits for veterans that go beyond standard bereavement help — and unlike most state grants, they do not need to be repaid.
UK Armed Forces Funeral Plan (MOD-Funded)
The Armed Forces Funeral Plan provides up to £1,035 towards funeral costs for eligible veterans, via the MOD's Veterans Welfare Service.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to £1,035 |
| Service requirement | At least 2 years in UK Armed Forces since 1947 |
| Discharge | Must have been honourable |
| Repayment | Not repayable from the veteran's estate |
| Deadline | Apply within 6 months of the funeral |
To apply, call the Veterans Welfare Service on 0808 1914 218 or visit [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/armed-forces-funeral-plan). You will need the veteran's service number, discharge date, and funeral invoice. Applications take 15–20 working days.
Key point: Unlike the Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment, this is a genuine grant — it does not need to be repaid from the estate.
War Pensioners' Funeral Payment
If the veteran was receiving a War Disablement Pension or War Widow(er)'s Pension at death, the family may claim up to £1,035 towards funeral costs. No minimum service period is needed — receiving the pension itself qualifies.
These two MOD schemes are mutually exclusive — you can only claim one per funeral. The Veterans Welfare Service will advise which is appropriate.
How Veterans Benefits Compare to Standard Support
Service Charity Grants
If the MOD grant does not cover the full cost, Armed Forces charities can help:
- Royal British Legion — Funeral grants for veterans in need. [britishlegion.org.uk](https://www.britishlegion.org.uk), call 0808 802 8080
- SSAFA — One-off grants and application support. [ssafa.org.uk](https://www.ssafa.org.uk), call 0800 260 6767
- Help for Heroes — Grants for wounded veterans' families. [helpforheroes.org.uk](https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk), call 0300 303 9888
Many families combine the MOD grant with charity support to cover the full funeral cost.
Practical Steps for Families
1. Contact the Veterans Welfare Service on 0808 1914 218 — they confirm eligibility, send forms, and refer you to SSAFA or RBL if needed.
2. Use FuneralCompare to find an affordable funeral director near military towns:
- [Portsmouth](/funeral-directors/portsmouth) — Royal Navy's largest base
- [Plymouth](/funeral-directors/plymouth) — Devonport Naval Base area
- [Aldershot](/funeral-directors/aldershot) — Home of the British Army
- [London](/funeral-directors/london) — Attended funerals from £1,495
3. Apply with the funeral invoice, service number, discharge certificate, and proof of relationship.
4. Seek charity support from SSAFA or RBL if the grant does not cover the full cost.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
Veterans who served less than 2 years, whose service ended before 1947, or who were dishonourably discharged do not qualify for the MOD grant. Charities like SSAFA and RBL may still help.
How FuneralCompare Can Help
Use FuneralCompare to compare prices in military towns, find providers who accept MOD grants, and read reviews from the Armed Forces community.
For a full overview of UK government funeral support, read our guide on [Funeral Grants and Financial Help in the UK](/blog/funeral-grants-financial-help-uk).
Remember: The £1,035 grant is a genuine gift — no repayment needed. Combined with a low-cost funeral director, it can give your loved one a dignified farewell.