More families turn to GoFundMe amid funeral aid refusals

More bereaved families are turning to online fundraising to cover funeral costs as refusals for Funeral Expenses Payments have risen by nearly 30% in three years, according to new data analysed by GoFundMe. 

Figures obtained by the crowdfunding company through a Freedom of Information request show that 2023/24 saw 3,890 refusals where applicants were deemed “not responsible – immediate family”, up from 3,190 in 2021/22. 

The total number of refusals across all categories has increased steadily since 2019/20, when 2,870 applications were rejected due to claimants not receiving a qualifying benefit.

The median award made to successful applicants now stands at £1,920, compared with £1,540 in 2019/20. With the average funeral costing more than £4,000, according to SunLife’s report, families typically face a shortfall of around £2,200 even when eligible for support.

The state scheme provides financial help towards funeral costs for people on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Income Support. Applications may be refused if the claimant is not in receipt of a qualifying benefit, if another family member is considered responsible, or if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) determines that funds are available elsewhere.

At the same time, GoFundMe has reported a surge in memorial fundraising. The number of donors to UK memorial fundraisers rose by around 25% between 2022 and 2024, while the average donation increased by about 11% year-on-year. The platform said 2025 is on track to record the highest levels of giving since the pandemic.

Thousands of memorial fundraisers are started on GoFundMe each year, often to help families meet funeral and memorial costs or to create lasting tributes.

The rise in crowdfunding reflects a growing gap between the costs of funerals and the limited support available through the state system.