More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit, according to latest figures.
Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering bereavement.
The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the end of December.
The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends on costs, and the average payout between April and December last year was £1969.
People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.
SNP MSP for Cunninghame South, Ruth Maguire said
“The rising costs of arranging a funeral can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety at what is an already challenging time.
Making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is a basic step in putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland and I welcome the latest figures which show 78% of applicants across North Ayrshire had their applications approved.
I would encourage anyone who thinks that they may qualify for this benefit to find out more and apply.”
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 