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<p>We regularly review and take action to improve the awareness and accessibility
of the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme, working with a range of stakeholders.</p><p>This
includes refreshing the ‘Get help with funeral costs’ information on GOV.UK. We have
also revised the Department leaflet ‘What to do when someone dies’ to provide a clear
step-by-step guide that signposts to available financial support including Funeral
Expenses Payment. This has been shared extensively. We also plan to attend a number
of funeral industry events in 2021 to raise awareness and understanding of the Funeral
Expenses Payment scheme.</p><p> </p><p>We have taken steps to improve access to the
Funeral Expenses Payment scheme. The Bereavement Service helpline operates a Freephone
service to report a death and to initiate a Funeral Expenses Payment claim. The Department
has worked closely with voluntary groups, hospitals, Registrars and Funeral Directors
to ensure that the bereaved are signposted to the helpline for further support. Funeral
Directors are able to submit evidence electronically to support a Funeral Expenses
Payment claim and we continue to work on identifying a secure digital solution to
extend this option to applicants.</p><p>Telephone: 0800 731 0469<br>Welsh language:
0800 731 0453</p><p>Textphone: 0800 731 0464<br>Welsh language: 0800 731 0456</p>
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