Govt sets out new rules on Funeral Expenses Payments

The scheme allows people on a low income and in need of help to pay for a funeral to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment, which must be paid back to the government if the claimant receives money from the deceased's estate. Under the changes, claimants will be able to receive contributions from charities, relatives or friends without them being deducted from the overall sum payable towards funeral costs. Additionally, from April, claimants can make an application within six months of the funeral date for help with funeral costs instead of the current three months. They will also have the ...