You save into their university fund, put money aside for their wedding, their first house, their first car. But the idea of having to fund your own child’s funeral? It is a thought that no parent ever thinks will cross their mind, and one that no one should ever have to. However, in our 30 years of helping families throughout West Kent and Southeast London, it would be duplicitous to say that this is a situation we have never come across, however much we would like to.
In July 2019, the government launched the Children’s Funeral Fund, aiming to help cover the costs for grieving families. We know that no sum can account for the loss of a child, but we would like to give you information about the fund to ensure families are aware of all resources available to them.
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England is a government scheme designed to remove the financial burden of burial or cremation costs for parents who have lost a child. It is available for children under the age of 18, as well as babies who are stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Introduced in July 2019 following a cross-party campaign led by Carolyn Harris MP, the fund was created to ensure that grieving families do not have to worry about how to afford their child’s burial or cremation. The scheme covers key funeral costs directly, so parents can focus on grieving and celebrating their child’s life rather than worrying about invoices or payment deadlines.
Eligibility for the Children’s Funeral Fund is simple:
This makes it accessible to all bereaved parents, regardless of their financial circumstances, something many find reassuring at a time when they may already feel emotionally and financially stretched.
The fund can help pay for:
If you have additional funeral expenses beyond these, you may also be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you or your partner receives certain benefits.
Other costs are not covered by the Children’s Funeral Fund, however some service providers within the sector opt to waive their fees.
At Welham Jones, we provide a standard white casket (up to the £300 limit covered by the Fund); if the family would prefer a coffin that is more than this, they would need to cover the shortfall. We also provide a standard hearse, a limousine for the family and our time at our own expense, as on a personal level we want to support families going through this ordeal. Unfortunately, costs for services provided by third parties, such as a horse-drawn hearse, have to be met by the family.
Most funeral directors voluntarily don’t charge for their own services, but this is something that families need to check as it is not a legal requirement or a provision of the Children’s Funeral Fund.
In most cases, parents do not have to handle the claims process themselves, something that can be a relief when facing such a painful time.
It is important to note that claims must be made within six months of the funeral. Your chosen funeral director can support you through this process and ensure deadlines are met.
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England provides financial support for bereaved parents by covering burial or cremation fees and contributing towards the cost of a coffin, allowing families to focus on saying goodbye rather than worrying about costs.
In 2025, we are – arguably – the most fluid we have ever been as a society; with hybrid working, self-employment, and digital nomads all seemingly inescapable buzzwords, it feels as though no-one is stuck to any single place. The world really is our oyster, but it is one that can easily become a bit slippery when faced with the task of planning a funeral. Here are our top tips on how to involve friends and family in your loved one’s funeral – no matter where they are.
When registering a death, you may be asked who your funeral director is by the registrar. This is a question that often leaves many grieving families a bit stumped, particularly if the death has come as a shock. So, what should you reply? And what does your answer change about the funeral planning process?
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for two titles in the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025. We’re finalists in both the Employer of the Year and Sustainability & Community categories, with the winners due to be announced in December.
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