SCOTTISH Government funding to help people on low incomes or benefits pay for funeral costs is to rise by 40% to £1000, it has been announced.

The Funeral Support Payment’s rate for expenses, such as funeral director fees, a coffin and flowers, is to rise from its current rate of £700 for all applications received from April 1.

Introduced in September last year, the payment replaced the UK Government’s Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland, significantly increasing eligibility. It is intended to help alleviate the burden of debt faced by those on low income benefits when paying for a funeral. Around 5000 people are expected to be supported annually by the payment and the average pay-out so far has been around £1500.

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The payment is made up of three separate parts – burial or cremation costs, travel costs and a standard rate for other expenses – and it is the latter which is being increased.

“At a time when families are struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one, the last thing they need is extra financial stress,” said Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.

“I am proud we are increasing the standard rate by 40% to £1000 to support those paying for a funeral just months after introducing this important new payment.

“This increase, alongside the extended eligibility we have introduced, means the Funeral Support Payment is there to ease the pressures on up to 5000 people annually at such a difficult time in their lives.

“This benefit is part of the new Social Security system we are building from scratch for the Scottish people, with fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.”

The increase has been welcomed by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS).

“We have fought a long campaign on this issue and have been calling for better support for people who are struggling to afford a decent funeral for their loved one,” said CAS spokesperson Jamie Stewart. “We are pleased the government has listened to our campaign.

“Bereavement is an incredibly difficult time for anyone, and the added distress of being unable to afford a funeral can be very upsetting.

“This announcement is a further step in the right direction for bereaved families but many will still find it difficult to afford a dignified funeral, so we hope to see further action on this issue in future.”

Those eligible for the Funeral Support Payment must be living in Scotland, have had the nearest relationship to the person who has died and be financially responsible for the funeral. They must also be on a qualifying benefit or tax credit – Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit.