§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will issue new guidelines on the granting of social fund payments to appointed persons in residential homes to cover the funeral costs of deceased residents, to include recommended time scales for dealing with applications and appeals.
§ Mr. ScottEveryone taking responsibility for funeral costs is entitled to a funeral payment from the social fund if they satisfy the eligibility criteria. There is no need for special provision for people in residential homes.
The average clearance time for a funeral payment is just over eight days; but due to the complexity of some cases the Benefits Agency have no recommended time scales for dealing with applications or appeals.