Help with funeral costs

Funeral Support Payment in certain circumstances can help pay for funeral costs if you live in Scotland. It usually will not cover the full cost of the funeral but it should help pay for some costs. It can be paid either to you or the funeral director who’s helping you plan the funeral. Arranging Costs that are covered can include the following:

  • Burial or cremation costs
  • Funeral costs
  • Your travel costs
  • Transport costs to move the person who died
  • Document costs
  • Medical costs

The procedure for making a claim can be complex. However, our staff are fully conversant with current procedures and will be happy to assist you. Our experience can be valuable in reaching a prompt and successful conclusion. It is essential that we are advised prior to funeral arrangements being made if you intend to make a claim in order to expedite the process in a timely manner.

Further details can be found on the Scottish Government website.

Who Is Entitled To Financial Support?

If there is not enough money to pay for the funeral service you may be able to get a Funeral Support Payment if all of the following apply:

  • You live in Scotland
  • You or your partner are getting certain benefits or tax credits
  • The person who died lived in the UK
  • The funeral is being held in the UK, EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
  • You are applying after the person has died, within 6 months from the date of their funeral
  • You or your partner are responsible for the funeral and named on the funeral bill
What Affects How Much You Can Get?

The amount you get paid will depend on how much money was left by the person who died.

This includes:

  • Funds belonging to the person who died
  • Insurance policies
  • Funeral plans
  • Money due from pensions or burial clubs

Your payment will be less if the person who died left any money which could cover some, or all, of the funeral expenses. You’ll need to use money from the person’s estate to pay funeral expenses and debts before anything else.

Disbursements

These are the costs of the funeral which we administer and payout on behalf of the family. These include amongst others, flowers, crematorium or cemetery fees, in memorium notice charges, organists etc. This means that you will have one simple, itemised account to settle rather than having to keep heed of various accounts and settlement timings. At the outset, during the arrangement, we will provide a written estimate detailing the likely costs.

FUNERAL CHOICES with Robert Rarity

Discover the range of options available when planning a funeral.

YOUR OPTIONS

Carol

Just to say a massive thank you for all your help during this hard time. It made things much easier. Thank you.
- G***** & G*****