Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they provide to low-income families to help pay for the funeral costs of family members who have died of COVID-19.

For those in receipt of income related benefits or tax credits, the Funeral Expense Payments scheme can offer a significant contribution to the cost of a funeral. The scheme meets the necessary costs of a burial or cremation in full, and additionally offers up to £1000 to meet other funeral expenses. The value of this additional element was raised from £700 to £1000 on 8 April this year, offering additional help at this particularly difficult time.

Budgeting Loans or Universal Credit budgeting advances can also be used for funeral expenses.