Funeral Support Payment pays out £2.3 million since launch

Payment amount to increase for applications received from April

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 April 1, the standard flat rate will be increasing by 40% to £1000, to further support those struggling with funeral costs. The latest statistics show that almost eight out of ten (78 percent) of applications were authorised.

Social Security Secretary 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.”

Background

• Introduced in September last year, the Funeral Support Payment replaced the UK Government’s Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland, increasing eligibility. It is intended to help alleviate the burden of debt faced by those on low income benefits when paying for a funeral.

• The full Funeral Support Payment statistics can be viewed here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/funeral-support-payment-high-level-statistics-to-31-january-2020/

• The Funeral Support Payment is made up of three separate parts: burial or cremation costs; travel costs; and a flat rate for other expenses – and it is this element which is being increased.
• For further information or to apply online line go to: https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment/