Many Scots may not be aware of a scheme which helps provide financial support for the costs of a loved ones funeral.
The Funeral Support Payment can be used towards the funeral costs for a baby, child or adult in Scotland, this also includes babies who were stillborn.
Last year, Social Security Scotland confirmed those eligible for financial support are receiving an average of £1,593 to help towards the costs of a burial or cremation, including expenses such as travel and flowers.
And if you could not apply for the Funeral Support Payment within six months of the funeral taking place due to the disruption caused by coronavirus pandemic, Social Security Scotland will still accept your application.
Since the scheme was launched in September 2019, more than 4,300 people have received funds, with over £6 million paid out so far. Below are details on the scheme including eligibility and how to apply.
Who can apply for a Funeral Support Payment?
You can get a Funeral Support Payment if all of the following apply:
you live in Scotland
you or your partner are getting certain benefits or tax credits
the person who died lived in the UK
the funeral is being held in the UK or in some circumstances in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
you are applying after the person has died, until six months after the date of their funeral
you or your partner are responsible for the funeral
it is reasonable for you or your partner to accept responsibility for the funeral costs
Usually, it is reasonable for the nearest relative of the person who died to accept responsibility for the funeral costs.
A nearest relative could be a partner, child, parent or sibling. If you or your partner are not the nearest relative, you'll need to explain to Social Security Scotland when you apply, why it's reasonable to have accepted responsibility.
Benefits and Tax Credits you or your partner must receive to qualify
You or your partner must get one or more of the following:
Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit
Income Support
Pension Credit
Working Tax Credit (disability or severe disability element)
Housing Benefit
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), not contribution-based JSA
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), not contribution-based ESA
How to apply
Before applying for Funeral Support Payment, you should:
register the death of the person who died
check that you're eligible for Funeral Support Payment
consider giving your funeral director consent to speak with Social Security Scotland about your application
To complete this form, you will need:
your National Insurance number
details of the funeral director
any travel receipts or funeral bills you have so far
your bank account details, if you'd like Social Security Scotland to pay you and not your funeral director
To find out more, or to apply online, visit the dedicated section on MyGov.Scot website here.
