New funeral payment launches

A new benefit to help low income families meet the costs of a funeral is open for applications.

The payment - which is being delivered by Social Security Scotland - will help towards the cost of a funeral. It replaces the Funeral Expenses Payment previously operated by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for people living in Scotland.

The payment will help towards burial or cremation costs, some travel costs and a £700 flat rate payment for people who do not have funeral plans. The Scottish Government has committed to annually uprating the flat rate element in line with inflation.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing its sixth new benefit today. If people on low incomes find themselves in the awful position of having lost a loved one and they are struggling to pay for the funeral, I would urge them to find out if they are eligible and apply for Funeral Support Payment.

“As with all of the benefits that we are introducing, we have been working hard to make sure that we improve people’s experience of accessing this kind of support. We have simplified the application process to make it less intrusive and we have, for the first time, included the option for people to apply online.

“Tackling poverty, while respecting the dignity of our people, is at the heart of the Scottish Social Security System, and it benefits not only individuals and families but our nation as a whole.”

Paul Cuthell of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), said:

“The NAFD is pleased to have supported The Scottish Government design the Funeral Support Payment. The streamlined application procedure will be of great benefit to bereaved people and the fact that it is index-linked to inflation is a significant step in the right direction towards ensuring that people receive an appropriate level of support when they need it."

For more information or to claim Funeral Support Payment visit mygov.scot/benefits or call 0800 182 2222.