Funeral Support Payment supports thousands at time of
need
More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people
with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit,
according to latest figures.
Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral
costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering
bereavement.
The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the
end of December.
The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and
cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends
on costs, and the average payout between April and December last
year was £1969.
People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying
for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for
this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They
can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said:
“Coming to terms with grief is devastating at any time. As people
continue to deal with the cost of living crisis, we want to ease
the pressure on those who can least afford to pay for a funeral.
“I am pleased that since Funeral Support Payment launched, we
have provided over £44 million in vital financial support to help
people and families across Scotland pay for a funeral.
“We know that some people might have already planned for and made
other financial arrangements with their family and wider
community. But I am urging those who are already getting benefits
and facing these costs to check if they are eligible and make an
application.
“I would encourage people to find out more and make sure they get
the support they are entitled to.”
More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people
with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit,
according to latest figures.
Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral
costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering
bereavement.
The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the
end of December.
The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and
cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends
on costs, and the average payout between April and December last
year was £1969.
People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying
for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for
this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They
can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said:
“Coming to terms with grief is devastating at any time. As people
continue to deal with the cost of living crisis, we want to ease
the pressure on those who can least afford to pay for a funeral.
“I am pleased that since Funeral Support Payment launched, we
have provided over £44 million in vital financial support to help
people and families across Scotland pay for a funeral.
“We know that some people might have already planned for and made
other financial arrangements with their family and wider
community. But I am urging those who are already getting benefits
and facing these costs to check if they are eligible and make an
application.
“I would encourage people to find out more and make sure they get
the support they are entitled to.”
Notes to editors
- Full details on the statistics are available to view
at Social Security Scotland - Funeral Support Payment: high
level statistics to 31 December 2023.
- Those eligible for the Funeral Support Payment must be living
in Scotland, be financially responsible for the funeral and be
getting a qualifying benefit or tax credit.
- The payment can be used towards funeral costs for a baby,
child or adult. This includes babies who were stillborn.
- 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.
- For more information and to apply, people can
visit mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment.
