Help with funeral costs in Scotland.
Funeral Support Payment can help eligible families in Scotland with some funeral costs. Parkgrove Funeral Directors accepts funerals arranged under this scheme and can help provide the funeral director information needed for your application.
Funeral Support Payment can help towards the cost of a funeral.
Funeral Support Payment is a payment from Social Security Scotland. It can help eligible people who live in Scotland with some of the costs of arranging a funeral.
It can be used towards the funeral of an adult, child, young person or baby, including babies who were stillborn. The payment usually helps towards funeral costs rather than covering the full cost of the funeral.
Who can apply for Funeral Support Payment?
Eligibility is decided by Social Security Scotland. In general, the person applying, or their partner, usually needs to be receiving a qualifying benefit, be responsible for the funeral costs, and live in Scotland.
You live in Scotland
Funeral Support Payment is for people living in Scotland who meet the eligibility rules set by Social Security Scotland.
You receive a qualifying benefit
You or your partner must usually be receiving one of the qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or Housing Benefit.
You are responsible for the funeral cost
The person applying, or their partner, must usually be responsible for paying the funeral costs and it must be reasonable for them to have accepted that responsibility.
What you may need to know before applying
The application is made through Social Security Scotland. Parkgrove can help by providing the funeral information, estimate or invoice that may be needed as part of the process.
Speak to Parkgrove
We can talk through funeral options, likely costs and what information may be needed for your Funeral Support Payment application.
Choose the funeral arrangements
We can explain direct cremation, simple attended funerals, bespoke funeral arrangements and burial options, with clear information about costs.
Apply to Social Security Scotland
Applications can be made online, by phone or by post. You may need funeral director details, an estimate, invoice or other supporting information.
Payment decision
Social Security Scotland will decide whether you qualify and how much can be paid. The payment may be made to you or, if chosen, directly to the funeral director.
What costs can Funeral Support Payment contribute towards?
The amount awarded depends on the circumstances. It can help with some necessary funeral costs, but families should be aware that it may not cover everything.
Burial or cremation fees
The payment can help towards necessary burial, cremation or hydrolysis costs, depending on the funeral arrangements.
Funeral costs
A contribution may be available towards funeral director fees, a coffin, flowers, a service or a funeral car.
Other possible costs
In some cases, help may be available for travel, transport, documents or medical costs needed before the funeral.
Benefits that may qualify
You or your partner usually need to be receiving one of the qualifying benefits. Social Security Scotland will confirm whether you meet the rules.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for Funeral Support Payment.
Income Support
Income Support can be a qualifying benefit where the other eligibility rules are met.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is included as one of the benefits that may allow an application.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is also listed as a qualifying benefit for Funeral Support Payment.
Income-based JSA
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance may qualify. Contribution-based JSA does not.
Income-related ESA
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance may qualify. Contribution-based ESA does not.
We can support your application with clear funeral information.
If you are applying for Funeral Support Payment, we can provide the funeral director details, estimate or invoice required for your application. We can also explain the options available and help you choose an arrangement that feels right and manageable.
Where consent is given, Social Security Scotland may contact us about funeral costs or funeral director details. We will help with this process as clearly and compassionately as possible.
Call us if you are arranging a funeral and may need financial support. We can talk through your options before you make any decisions.
Applying for Funeral Support Payment
Funeral Support Payment is applied for through Social Security Scotland. Applications can usually be made online, by phone or by post.
Apply online
You can apply online through mygov.scot. It is helpful to have funeral details, your National Insurance number and any funeral estimate or invoice ready.
Apply by phone
You can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. They will guide you through the application and explain what evidence may be needed.
Apply by post
Paper application forms are also available. There are different forms depending on whether the funeral is for an adult or for a child or young person.
Questions families often ask
These are general answers only. Social Security Scotland makes the final decision on eligibility and award amounts.
Can Parkgrove arrange a funeral if I am applying?
Yes. Parkgrove Funeral Directors accepts funerals arranged where a family is applying for Funeral Support Payment. We can explain choices and provide supporting funeral information.
Will it cover the full funeral cost?
Not usually. Funeral Support Payment helps towards funeral costs. We will explain any expected balance clearly before arrangements are confirmed.
Can the payment be sent directly to Parkgrove?
In many cases, the payment can be made directly to the funeral director if that option is chosen in the application.
Can Parkgrove tell me if I qualify?
We can explain the general rules, but eligibility is decided by Social Security Scotland. You should apply directly or contact them if you are unsure.
Important points to remember
Funeral Support Payment can be helpful at a difficult time, but it is important to understand what it can and cannot do before confirming funeral arrangements.
It is for eligible people in Scotland
You, or your partner, usually need to live in Scotland and receive a qualifying benefit.
It usually will not pay for everything
The payment can help with funeral costs, but families may still need to pay a remaining balance.
You usually apply within six months
Applications usually need to be made after the person has died and within six months of the funeral date.
Parkgrove can provide funeral details
We can provide the funeral director details, estimate, invoice or other funeral cost information you may need.
This page is general guidance only and is not a decision on eligibility. Funeral Support Payment is administered by Social Security Scotland. Eligibility, award amounts and payment decisions are made by Social Security Scotland. Please check the latest information directly with mygov.scot or Social Security Scotland.
Clear guidance when money is a concern.
If you are arranging a funeral and may need financial support, please speak to us. We can explain the options available, provide clear pricing, and help with the funeral director information needed for a Funeral Support Payment application.