Funeral Support Payment pays out £2.3 million since launch

Over 1,500 payments were made from mid-September to late January to help people in Scotland pay for funerals according to latest Funeral Support Payment statistics that were published today.

Eligible applicants received an average of £1,516 to help towards the cost of a loved ones funeral.

And from 1 April, the standard flat rate will be increasing by 40% to £1,000 to further support those struggling with funeral costs. The latest statistics show that almost eight out of ten (78 percent) of applications were authorised.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Coping with the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult events any of us can face. It’s even harder when there’s extra stress trying to find the money to pay for a funeral.

“I am encouraged by these new figures which show Funeral Support Payment has been available to support people at such a difficult time in their lives.

“Making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is a basic step in putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.”

The full report is available on the Scottish Government website.