Over 1300 payments to help with funerals
Over £2m in Funeral Support Payments have been paid since the scheme launched in South Lanarkshire
The latest official statistics say that 1380 payments totalling over £2.39m have been made in the region to help pay towards the costs of a funeral.
The Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment is available to people who get Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral.
The average payment in the 2022/23 financial year was £1835 and can be used towards burial or cremation costs and other expenses like funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers.
People who have applied for the benefit can ask for the payment to be paid directly to funeral directors, with 64 per cent of applicants choosing to do so since Funeral Support Payment launched in September 2019.
People can apply for support up to six months after the date of the funeral.
Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “When low income families are struggling to deal with a bereavement, the last thing they need, particularly during this cost of living crisis is to face the added worry of paying for the costs of a funeral.
“The Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment can give eligible people the financial support they need during a difficult time in their lives.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply and to remember that people can apply up to six months after the funeral of their family member, friend or loved one.”
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.
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.
Clients 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.