Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, and understanding what financial help may be available can add another layer of difficulty. There are multiple types of support available in Guernsey, and depending on your circumstances, help with funeral costs may be available. 

We have created this guide to help Guernsey families understand the types of support that may exist, who might be eligible, and how to begin making enquiries.

It is important to remember that eligibility and availability vary. This information is intended as general guidance only and does not replace advice from official organisations.

If you have questions or want more personalised advice, please contact Beckfords here. 

Overview of financial support for funerals and bereavement in Guernsey 

After a death, some families may be able to access financial support through government schemes, benefits, or other assistance. Some payments are designed to help with immediate funeral costs, while others provide ongoing support following bereavement. Because every situation is different, what you may be entitled to will depend on your individual circumstances.

Types of assistance that may be available

Financial supports are categorised by help with funeral costs or bereavement payments. In Guernsey, the government has multiple types of support that are available when someone dies. 

The Death Grant: Funeral-related financial assistance

In Guernsey, The States of Guernsey Social Security may provide financial assistance for funerals through what is called the ‘death grant’. The death grant is a single lump sum payment that is used to help with the cost of funeral expenses.

Who is eligible for the Death Grant?

The Death Grant is paid when an insured person dies. This can also apply to an insured person’s spouse, child, or surviving partner. 

How much is the Death Grant? 

The amount paid depends on the social security contributions the person who has died made during their lifetime, so eligibility and payment levels can vary depending on individual circumstances. The current rates are set out in the Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates leaflet (Leaflet 50), which you can download from the official States of Guernsey website

As of 2026, a full grant is £841.00, with reduced grants available based on the yearly average of reckonable contributions paid or credited.

Bereavement payment: Lump Sum Payment

A bereavement payment is a single lump sum paid to the married spouse of the deceased. 

Who is eligible for the Bereavement Payment? 

To be eligible for the Bereavement Payment you may be the husband or wife of the deceased. The deceased must have satisfied the contribution conditions or their death was caused through an accident at work.

This payment is not eligible if you are divorced from your late husband or wife or are still married, but living (cohabiting) with someone else when your husband or wife died. 

How much is the Bereavement Payment? 

The amount paid depends on the social security contributions the person who has died made during their lifetime, so eligibility and payment levels can vary depending on individual circumstances. The current rates are set out in the Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates leaflet (Leaflet 50), which you can download from the official States of Guernsey website.

As of 2026, a full Bereavement Payment is £2,654.00, with reduced grants available based on the yearly average of reckonable contributions paid or credited, ranging from £2,601.00 to £531.00. 

Bereavement Allowance: Weekly Payment 

Bereavement allowance is a weekly payment that may be available for those below pension age, whose husband or wife has died, for up to 52 weeks.

Who is eligible for the Bereavement Allowance?

Similarly to the Bereavement Payment, to be eligible for the Bereavement Allowance you must have been married to the deceased and not living (cohabitating) with someone else when your husband or wife died. Additionally, you must be under the pension age and the deceased must have satisfied the contribution conditions or their death was caused through an accident at work.

How much is the  Bereavement Allowance? 

The amount paid depends on the social security contributions the person who has died made during their lifetime, so eligibility and payment levels can vary depending on individual circumstances. The current rates are set out in the Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates leaflet (Leaflet 50), which you can download from the official States of Guernsey website.

As of 2026, a full Bereavement Allowance is £264.14 weekly, with reduced grants available based on the yearly average of reckonable contributions paid or credited, ranging from £258.86 to £52.83. 

Widowed Parent's Allowance: Weekly Payment

The Widowed Parent's Allowance is a weekly payment that may be available for those below pension age, whose spouse or cohabiting partner dies and is caring for a dependent child. Depending on your circumstances, the allowance can be paid up until your dependent child turns eighteen.

Who is eligible for the Widowed Parent's Allowance?

To claim the widowed parent’s allowance, you must meet certain conditions at the time your partner died. You need to be under States pension age, living in the Bailiwick or in a country with a reciprocal agreement, and either married to your partner or living together as if married.

You must also be caring for a dependent child under 18. In addition, your partner must have met the required contribution conditions or have died as a result of an accident at work.

How much is the Widowed Parent's Allowance? 

The amount paid depends on the social security contributions the person who has died made during their lifetime, so eligibility and payment levels can vary depending on individual circumstances. The current rates are set out in the Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates leaflet (Leaflet 50), which you can download from the official States of Guernsey website.

As of 2026, a full Widowed Parent's Allowance is £307.17 weekly, with reduced grants available based on the yearly average of reckonable contributions paid or credited, ranging from £302.76 to £130.95.

Other Forms of Funeral Financial Support Available

In addition to formal payments and allowances, some families explore:

• Income Support (Social Security)
• Assistance from charities or community organisations
• Employer support or workplace benefits
• Funds from the estate of the person who has died

Availability and criteria for these options can vary widely.

Support From Beckfords 

At Beckfords, we understand that a funeral is often an unexpected cost and can be difficult for families to manage. To help, we encourage open conversations with us where we will always work with you to ensure you receive all the necessary support, guidance and assistance. 

Find more information here, or get in touch with us for more information.

A Final Note From Beckfords 

Financial support following a bereavement is not always straightforward. Eligibility, payment amounts, and application processes can vary depending on your circumstances and the schemes available at the time.

If you are unsure, it is always best to check directly with official organisations or speak to someone who can guide you through your options. At Beckfords, we can help guide you through the process and point you towards the right sources of information.

Please do not hesitate to contact us here. 

Note: The information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and is based on publicly available guidance from the States of Guernsey. Policies, eligibility criteria, and payment amounts may change over time. Readers should refer to the official website for the States of Guernsey or seek professional advice to ensure they have the most up-to-date and applicable information.