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<p>The Government provides support to bereaved families in a number of ways. The Funeral
Expenses Payments scheme provides a significant contribution towards the cost of a
simple, respectful funeral arranged by recipients of certain income based benefits
or tax credits. The scheme pays necessary burial and cremation costs in full, as defined
by legislation, plus up to £1000 for other expenses such as the cost of a coffin,
church and funeral director fees, which was increased from £700 on 8 April. Scotland
has a similar scheme, the Funeral Support Payment scheme. Support for funeral costs
for all young people under 18 is provided by the Children’s Funeral Fund for England,
with similar schemes in Scotland and Wales. Interest-free Social Fund Budgeting Loans
and Universal Credit Budgeting Advances can also be used for funeral expenses. Further
financial support is available through Bereavement Support Payments which help working
age people whose spouse or civil partner dies.</p>
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