AQW 27115/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Communities
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.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 9 December 2021
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 9 December 2021
- Answer due by
- 29 December 2021
- Answered
- 17 December 20218 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
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.