Our friends at Quaker Social Action are calling for better government support with funeral costs, so more people have the space they need to grieve.
Quaker Social Action (QSA) helps people on low incomes in east London and across the UK to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives. One of the key issues they focus on is funeral costs.
It’s not uncommon for a funeral with mourners present to cost upwards of £4,000, with nearly 1 in 5 people who pay for a funeral experiencing ‘notable financial concerns’. People are going deep into debt and cutting back on essentials like food – all to try and afford a funeral for their family member or friend.
The Funeral Expenses Payment (FEP) from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) is a vital source of financial support for many bereaved people in England and Wales, but thousands are denied a payment each year because of restrictive eligibility criteria that don’t reflect real life.
QSA are calling on the Government to change this – can you help?
This summer, Peace Hub welcomed Susan to our building here in Birmingham, along with QSA staff, who recorded Susan’s story about the reality of funeral costs and the restrictions of the FEP. You can watch the 6 minute video below, then head to the QSA website to find out more and take action.
Like Peace Hub, QSA is a charitable organisation, with Quaker roots and values, whose services are open to everyone. We are happy to share their campaign to Fix the FEP, as it fits with our values and concerns around equality and social justice.