Minister visits NAFD member Scotmid to highlight Funeral Support Payment
Minister for Social Security and Local Government at the Scottish Parliament, Ben MacPherson, paid a visit to NAFD members Scotmid in December to highlight the Funeral Support Payment.
Mr Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has been in dialogue with the NAFD and recently updated members of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group for Funerals and Bereavement over the progress of the Funeral Support Payment, which provides financial assistance towards the cost of a funeral for those living in Scotland who are on certain tax credits or benefits.
Visiting Edinburgh-based Scotmid’s offices during Grief Awareness Week, he highlighted that people on low incomes are being encouraged to check if they are eligible and apply for financial support to cover the cost of a funeral. The average payment is £1800 and will cover burial or cremation costs, and transport and can also be put towards other expenses like funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers. People can apply for support up to six months after the death of their loved one’s funeral.
Mr Macpherson said: “Planning and paying for a funeral can be difficult and doing so during a cost-of-living crisis, with many people having to deal with extra financial pressure, can make it even harder. Funeral Support Payment is there to help with those costs. I would urge people on low incomes to check if they are entitled to this support and to apply.”
James Blackburn, Head of Funerals at Scotmid Funerals, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Social Security Scotland in signposting the availability of the Funeral Support Payment. Through our funeral team, our website and our literature we encourage the bereaved families that we care for to apply if they think they are eligible for this support.”
The Funeral Support Payment, which is index-linked, can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, child or adult. This includes babies who were stillborn. People can apply for support up to 6 months after the date of their loved one’s funeral.
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