The Funeral Support Payment is a new payment available to people in Scotland who are on certain benefits or tax credits to help meet the costs of a funeral. This payment replaces the Funeral Expense Payment from DWP.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for the payment if you meet all the criteria below:
- You are responsible for the payment of the funeral
- You live in Scotland
- The person who died lived in the UK
- You are the nearest relative of the person who died
- The funeral takes place in the UK or, in some cases, in a member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- You are in receipt of, or have applied for one of the qualifying benefits:
-
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income- related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Disability or Severe Disability element of Working Tax Credit
When can I apply
You can apply from when the person dies up to 6 months after the Funeral. Only one person can apply per funeral.
Amount of Payment
This is a part payment and will cover some, but likely not all, of the funeral costs. This is dependent on individual funeral choices and varying fees for services across Scotland.
If eligible, the amount you get will depend on what you have claimed and what funds were left by the person who died.
Funeral Support Payment can pay an average of £1,300 and can cover:
- Burial and Cremation costs (these can vary so an average local amount will be paid)
- £700 of other expenses. However if the person who died had a funeral plan or insurance this amount will be reduced to £120
- Some travel costs, document costs and medical costs
This payment is not required to be paid back and does not affect any other benefits or tax credits.
How to apply
You can apply using the Freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222
Or online at https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment/
Further information for all grants available can be found on the mygov.scot website