Funeral & bereavement benefits

For some qualifying families, government help may be available through the Funeral Support Payment and/or the Bereavement Support Payment.

Please see below for links and information.

Funeral support payment – what is it?

This payment is available to people in Scotland who require support to meet the costs of a funeral. 

The Funeral Support Payment is for people on certain benefits or tax credits.

How to apply?

• Telephone – call freephone on 0800 182 2222 to complete the application over the phone.
• Paper – call freephone at 0800 182 2222 to request a paper application. 
• Online – go to this link and complete the online application.

There are two forms to complete: one for a child/young person and one for an adult.

Who is eligible?

• The adult’s spouse or civil partner.
• Neither married nor in a civil partnership but living together for at least six months.
• The adult’s child. 
• The adult’s parent.
• The adult’s brother or sister.
• The adult’s grandchild.
• The adult’s uncle or aunt.
• The adult’s cousin.
• The adult’s niece or nephew.

How much is the payment, and what does it cover?

Your Funeral Support Payment is a partial payment and will cover some, but not all, funeral costs. 

The amount will depend on the amount claimed and what funds were left by the deceased.

• For burial and cremation costs (these vary throughout the country); please visit this site. 
• A maximum of £700 will be put towards the Funeral Director and any other expenses. 
• Or £120 if the deceased had a funeral plan in place. 
• Some travel, document, and medical costs may also be covered.

How many people can get the payment and when?

Only one person per funeral should apply, and only one payment will be made. Before applying, the claimant should register the death and give Abercorn the consent to speak with Social Security Scotland. This will minimise the time taken to process the application. Claims can be made up to six months after the funeral date.

What evidence will be required?

Invoices/receipts for the items being claimed. A full funeral account can be made available from us. The claimant can be sent a pre-paid envelope to return the documents to Social Security Scotland.

How long will people have to wait for the payment?

The claimant should receive a decision within ten working days upon SSS’s receipt of a completed application form and all supporting evidence.

Who is paid the money?

The funds will be paid directly to the claimant’s financial account or the funeral director.

Does this money need to be paid back?

The claimant does not need to pay back the funds. If it is discovered the deceased left financial assets, the SSS will recover the Payment through the estate.

Does it affect other benefits?

No, the Payment does not affect any other benefits or tax credits.

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