Mon 16 Sep 2019
Social Security Scotland has launched a new Funeral Support Payment.
The benefit, which is now open for applications, is a one-off payment giving people on low incomes a contribution towards the cost of a funeral.
It replaces the Department for Work and Pensions Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland. Improvements include:
- a new ‘nearest relative’ eligibility test and a more sensitive assessment to determine who is responsible for the funeral costs
- widening eligibility by around 40% to help an estimated 5,000 people each year
- faster processing for completed applications once all evidence has been received
- annual reviews and uprating of the flat rate element to take account of inflation.
People can apply online at www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment or on Freephone 0800 182 2222, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm. A paper application is also available via the helpline or from the website.