I'm looking for some advice. I have a Social Fund appeal coming up next month for an elderly disabled client who has been awarded £1100 funeral expenses. The total cost of her husband's funeral was over £2700, so she has a shortfall of apprx £1600. She has indicated she cannot afford to pay the amount outstanding from her PC and DLA and asked the DWP to reconsider there award based on her inability to pay the amount still due.

Social Fund have indicated that the have paid her the maximum amount due as per Reg 7a and I'm not aware of any case law which can support my clients appeal.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

As far as I'm aware, all you can really do is check that the correct expenses have been taken into account for those which are separately allowable, and then the £700 on top. Should be clear from the appeal papers. CPAG helpfully advises that you could apply for a CCG if the expenses aren't all met. Or you could offer the funeral director £5 per month. Or ask a charity to pay it. Or, more likely in my experience, your client will be so keen to pay the funeral director that she'll impoverish herself to pay.
She should complain to her MP!

Failing all else, if the Lady's husband was an ex serviceman, you could approach SSAFA and the British Legion. We have found SSAFA to be very sympathetic and generous in our area.

- to supplement the excellent Mr. Shermer's advice;
SSAFA will even assist if the late husband was only in forces as a result of National Service (compulsory for most pre-1960's I believe). I share Mike's view of them - and they are similarly helpful in South Wales, as are the British Legion.
Might be worth checking if late husband has any connection with a particular trade or industry too; certain trade unions are not adversed to helping. I have found the Civil Service Benevolent Fund extremely helpful in the past.
Lastly, although I don't approve of the concept!, was he a Mason, Buffalo, or whatever?
I share the fear that the lady will impoverish herself though ...
Splott Paul

Thanks folks for advice. It would appear from the papers that the maximum amount or capped amounts have been applied by the DWP.I am due to contact my client soon and will discuss with her if her late husband had any connection with our armed forces.