Anyone who watches daytime TV will know that there are constant adverts for funerals outlining various payment options and choices.

Giving a loved one an appropriate funeral can be costly and a great worry to families already feeling the pain of loss.

The Scottish Government, through Social Security Scotland, provides extra financial support with a Funeral Support Payment. It provides eligible people with financial support to help pay for a partner, child, parent or sibling’s funeral.

Funeral Support Payment is available to people who receive Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and who are responsible for paying for a funeral.

People can apply any time after the person has died until six months after the date of the funeral.

The average payment in the 2023/24 financial year to date was £1,949, and the money can be used towards burial or cremation costs and other expenses such as funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers.

Since launching Funeral Support Payment in September 2019, Social Security Scotland has received over 34,000 applications, providing £41.7 million of support for people and families.

Click on this link to find out more and to apply: Funeral Support Payment

James Blackburn, Head of Funerals at Scotmid Funerals, said:

“We encourage the bereaved families that we care for to apply if they think they are eligible for Funeral Support Payment.

“We are delighted to work with Social Security Scotland to make sure that more people are aware of this support and that they apply for it. Through our funeral teams, website and our literature we signpost people to find out more and support them to apply.”