Financial help to pay towards the cost of a funeral

Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things a person can go through. Having to deal with financial stress on top of facing a bereavement can make it even harder.

During Grief Awareness Week, people on low-incomes are being encouraged to check if they are eligible and apply for financial support to cover the cost of a funeral.

The Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment helps pay towards the costs of a funeral and is open to people who are on certain tax credits or benefits.

The average payment is £1800 and will cover burial or cremation costs, and transport and can also be put towards other expenses like funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers. People can apply for support up to six months after the death of their loved one’s funeral.

Visiting Scotmid Funerals, Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said:

“Planning and paying for a funeral can be difficult, and doing so during a cost of living crisis, with many people having to deal with extra financial pressure, can make it even harder.

“Funeral Support Payment is there to help with those costs. I would urge people on low-incomes to check if they are entitled to this support and to apply.”

James Blackburn, Head of Funerals at Scotmid Funerals, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Social Security Scotland in signposting the availability of the Funeral Support Payment. Through our funeral team, our website and our literature we encourage the bereaved families that we care for to apply if they think they are eligible for this support.”

Background:

• Funeral Support Payment helps pay for funeral costs if you live in Scotland. The payment can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, child or adult. This includes babies who were stillborn
• People can apply for support up to 6 months after the date of their loved one’s funeral
• Those eligible for the Funeral Support Payment must be living in Scotland, be financially responsible for the funeral and be on a qualifying benefit or tax credit
• People can choose to apply online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland’s specially trained bereavement team free on 0800 182 2222
• More information can be found online at https://www.mygov.scot/funeral...