HC Deb 23 March 2000 vol 346 c657W
Ms Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what financial assistance is available to the widow of a war veteran to cover funeral costs. [115937]

Angela Eagle

Under the War Pensions Scheme1 the Secretary of State has the discretion to meet any reasonable expenses relating to the funeral of a former member of the Armed Forces provided the death was due to service; or at the time of death the person was provided with National Health Service accommodation or hospital in-patient treatment for their war pensioned disablement.

The Social Fund Funeral Payment scheme2 provides help with funeral expenses where someone has died and there are insufficient funds available. The person seeking help must have been awarded a qualifying income-related benefit or tax credit and have good reason for taking responsibility for the funeral arrangements. The qualifying benefits/tax credits are: Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Working Families' Tax Credit, Disabled Persons' Tax Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

Any award from the Social Fund would be deducted from the amount payable under the War Pensions Scheme. Notes: 1 The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983. 2 Social Fund, Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Regulations 1987.