Falkirk residents offered financial help with funerals amid coronavirus pandemic

Funeral Support Payment is available to those on certain low-income benefits or tax credits and who are the nearest relation to the person who has died.

The payment can help towards burial or cremation fees, some travel costs and other expenses such as funeral director fees, a coffin or flowers.

Introduced in September last year, the Funeral Support Payment replaced the UK Government’s Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government Funeral Support Payment widened eligibility so that around 40 per cent more people can access this benefit.

Social Security Scotland secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know that during these unprecedented times, many people on low incomes will require financial support and I want to encourage people to access the benefits they are entitled to.

“I understand that 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.

“We worked with stakeholders who have supported bereaved clients in accessing funeral support so our service is as straightforward to access as possible. One way that we’ve made it easier is by creating clear pre-application advice and an interactive online application process.

“To ensure organisations managing funerals can cope with the increased demand during the current pandemic, the Scottish Government is also asking families not to delay organising funerals for their loved ones.”

Social Security Scotland chief executive David Wallace said: “We want to get the message out there that if you think you qualify for a DWP benefit, you may also be eligible for a payment from Social Security Scotland.

“There's no need to wait for a decision from the DWP before applying, we can check with them later.

“Don’t delay in getting in touch. We know that dealing with a bereavement is already stressful and that it can be hard to talk about.

“That is why we have a specially trained team who can help you through the application process and we can go at the pace that is best for you.”

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