Funeral Support Payment is a Scottish benefit that helps with funeral costs. It’s administered by Social Security Scotland and is more generous than the equivalent DWP scheme available elsewhere in the UK.
What Funeral Support Payment Covers
| Component | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Burial or cremation fees | Cemetery/crematorium charges, lair purchase |
| Fixed payment | £1,225 (2026-27) for other funeral costs |
| Transport costs | Reasonable transport of the coffin within the UK |
| Documentation | Death certificate costs, medical certificates |
| Religious/cultural needs | Reasonable costs for religious requirements |
| Memorial costs | Not covered |
| Catering/flowers | Not covered (use the £1,225 fixed payment) |
Eligibility
Who Can Claim
You must:
- Live in Scotland at the time of application
- Be responsible for arranging the funeral (the ‘responsible person’)
- Receive a qualifying benefit (you or your partner)
Qualifying Benefits
| Benefit | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Yes |
| Pension Credit | Yes |
| Housing Benefit | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes |
| Working Tax Credit (with disability element) | Yes |
| Income-based JSA | Yes |
| Income-related ESA | Yes |
| Income Support | Yes |
| Scottish Child Payment | No (on its own) |
| PIP/DLA/ADP | No (on their own, but if you also receive a qualifying benefit, yes) |
The Responsible Person
Social Security Scotland considers who is the most appropriate person to take responsibility for the funeral. The priority order is:
- The deceased’s partner
- The deceased’s child or parent
- A close relative
- A close friend
If there’s a dispute about who is responsible, Social Security Scotland will decide.
How Much You Get
Breakdown
| Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Burial plot purchase or cremation fee | Actual cost (paid directly or reimbursed) |
| Fixed payment for other expenses | £1,225 |
| Transport of the deceased | Reasonable costs |
| Documentation costs | Actual costs |
Compared to England’s Funeral Expenses Payment
| Feature | Funeral Support Payment (Scotland) | Funeral Expenses Payment (England/Wales) |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed amount for extras | £1,225 | £1,000 |
| Application window | 6 months | 3 months |
| Administered by | Social Security Scotland | DWP |
| Application method | Phone, post, or online | Phone or post |
| Decision time | Typically faster | Often slower |
How to Apply
Before the Funeral
You can apply before the funeral takes place — you don’t need to wait until after.
Application Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 182 2222 (free, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm) |
| Online | mygov.scot |
| Post | Download form from mygov.scot and post to Social Security Scotland |
What You Need
- Details about the person who died (name, date of death, date of birth)
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of the funeral or planned funeral
- Information about the deceased’s estate (savings, property, insurance policies)
- Funeral director’s invoice or estimate (if available)
- Your bank details for payment
Recovery From the Estate
Funeral Support Payment may be recovered from the deceased’s estate:
| Estate Value | Recovery |
|---|---|
| No estate / small estate | No recovery — you keep the full payment |
| Estate has assets | Social Security Scotland may recover up to the FSP amount |
| Pre-paid funeral plan | FSP covers the gap if the plan doesn’t cover full costs |
| Life insurance | Life insurance payouts form part of the estate |
Social Security Scotland will investigate the deceased’s estate. If there are assets, they may recover some or all of the payment. This is a debt on the estate, not on you personally.
Decisions and Reviews
If your application is refused or you disagree with the amount:
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Request a redetermination | Within 31 days of the decision |
| Social Security Scotland reviews | Within 16 working days |
| Appeal to First-tier Tribunal | Within 31 days of redetermination decision |