Consultation on Funeral Expense Assistance Regulations

Most participants believed it was a good idea to extend the application window from 3 months currently to 6 months. The current 3 months window may not be enough if hospital did not release the body due for further investigation. Participants suggested that the funeral director should be able to provide information as well as assistance on funeral payment application. The religious and community organisations, registrar of death office should also have information to provide assistance on funeral payment application. It is important that younger generation is made aware of the change in the benefit as they are likely to be involved in making funeral arrangements. One participant questioned whether refugees have their rights to apply the benefit.

Most participants suggested the applicant should not only be the nearest relationship to the deceased as they may not want to take responsibility of arranging the funeral. Having a choice of who can make an application with support from religious and community organisations, social workers, charity organisations should be allowed to apply for the payment. In some circumstances where the deceased had no direct family, a close friend or someone from the community who takes the responsibility of funeral arrangements should be able to apply for the payment if he/she has paid for the funeral cost.

Most participants felt that the wording is very confusing and should be made clearer which is easy to understand. It was also brought to attention that sometimes ethnic minority people living in Scotland die when visiting home countries, out with EU funeral do not have access to the FEA. All felt that it is a complex area and needed to be simpler, straight forward and made easy to understand as people involved will be going through emotionally challenging and distressing times.

Most participants agreed the applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit however participants were concerned about qualifying criteria of entitlement to Universal Credit. Again it is complex and need further clarity.

Participants agreed the new changing on the qualifying benefits basely cover all benefits for low/no income families.

Participants agreed with the proposal that funeral payment should be made directly to the funeral director for outstanding bill as it would be difficult for family/friends to think about practical matters such as sorting out debt to the funeral director. If the funeral bill has already been paid, the payment towards the cost can be made to the applicant was a good idea. However, more need to be done to inform people to keep receipts when making payments and wish to claim at a later date.

Participants asked for the age group to be mentioned for clarity which classify as a child. Participants felt that it was a goodwill gesture by the Scottish Government which must be commended.

Participants suggested to use the plain English which is understood by the general public. Use of jargon or difficult words i.e. 31 calendar days can be confusing for some. They suggested using simple language such as 4 weeks or 20 working days.

Participants agreed with the timescales but found the question wording and language used difficult to understand. It is imperative that the plain language is used for all the information and while consulting the general public.

It is important that the FEA is not unintentionally discriminatory and any issues arising in the implementation must be looked at and dealt with. It was highlighted that the most vulnerable and in need also likely to face language barrier, steps should be taken to remove all communication barriers.