Financial Advice

Navigating Costs with Care and Compassion

At Thompson Brothers, we understand that the financial side of bereavement can feel overwhelming. Whether you are arranging a funeral or managing financial matters afterwards, we are here to support you with clear, practical guidance.

Below are some helpful services and organisations that may provide support for you and your
family.

1. Bereavement Support Payment

A government payment for those who have lost a spouse or civil partner.

What it offers:

  • A lump sum followed by monthly payments

Eligibility:
You must be under State Pension age, and your partner must have paid National Insurance contributions for a qualifying period.

Apply online:

https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Bereavement Service Helpline:

0800 151 2012

2. Funeral Expenses Payment

Help towards funeral costs if you are on a low income and receive certain benefits.

What it may cover:

  • Burial or cremation fees

  • Certain travel expenses

  • Death certificates and documentation

Apply online:
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
Funeral Expenses Payment Helpline:
0800 731 0469

Funeral Expenses Payment Forms

Adult Claim Form (SF200 Adult)
For adult funeral claims in England and Wales.
Download form

Child Claim Form (SF200 Child)
For child funeral claims in England and Wales.
Download form

Guidance Notes

Adult Guidance Notes
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funeral-expenses-payment-claim-form

Child Guidance Notes
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funeral-expenses-payment-claim-form-for-a-child

Submission Details

3. Local Support in Sunderland, Washington & Houghton-le-Spring

Depending on your circumstances, additional support may be available through local authorities
and organisations

Sunderland City Council

Support and advice for residents, including emergency financial assistance.

https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/

Household Support Fund

Financial help for households struggling with essential costs.

https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/householdsupportfund

Citizens Advice Sunderland

Free advice on benefits, debt, housing and financial concerns.

https://www.citizensadvicesunderland.co.uk/
0808 278 7950

4. Charitable & Free Advice Services

Turn2us

Grants, benefits advice and financial support tools.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk
0808 802 2000

StepChange Debt Charity

Free support with budgeting and debt management after bereavement.
https://www.stepchange.org

0800 138 1111

MoneyHelper

Free and impartial financial guidance.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
0800 138 7777

National Bereavement Service

Support with legal, financial and practical matters after a death.
https://www.thenbs.org
0800 0246 121

5. Bereavement Charities & Emotional Support

Cruse Bereavement Support

Emotional support and practical guidance after loss.

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

0808 808 1677

Winston’s Wish

Support for grieving children and young people.

https://www.winstonswish.org/

Marie Curie

Bereavement guidance and support for families facing terminal illness or loss.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

6. Citizens Advice

Free, confidential advice on:

  • Benefits
  • Debt
  • Legal Matters
  • Financial Concerns

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
National Helpline:
0808 278 7950

We’re Here to Help

If you are unsure where to begin, we are always here to talk things through with you in
confidence.
At Thompson Brothers, our role is not only to guide families through funeral arrangements, but
also to provide reassurance and practical support whenever it is needed.