Increase in maximum additional amount within funeral expenses payment in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule provides for change in response to coronavirus pandemic

New regulations have been issued to provide for an increase in the maximum additional amount within the funeral expenses payment in Northern Ireland.

In force from 8 April 2020, the Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.62/2020) amend the Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 to increase the amount paid for additional expenses - used to help pay for items such as flowers, car hire, the funeral ceremony and funeral director charges for making the arrangements - from £700 to £1,000 for deaths which occur on or after 8 April 2020.

NB - the explanatory memorandum advises that, as these are emergency regulations in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department for Communities has not undertaken a public consultation.

SR.No.62/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk