AQW 27115/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 09/12/2021
Answered On Date: 17/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities when Funeral Expenses Payment levels were last reviewed and compared with the average price of a funeral in Northern Ireland; and whether she will increase the amount allocated should a new review indicate the expenses payment does not meet at least 50 per cent of the cost of a funeral for a person on benefits, including pension credit recipients, where there is no funeral payment plan or savings available.

Answer:

The amount allowed for “other funeral costs” was reviewed in 2019 and it was agreed that the cap should be increased from £700 to £1000. This change took effect in April 2020.

Any further increases in the amount of the payment would require Executive approval and a change in legislation.