ALLIANCE Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the new ‘one call’ service to help bereaved relatives check if they are eligible for help with funeral costs.
The new Bereavement Service, offers relatives a single point of contact for reporting a death to the Social Security Agency, and also helps them access any other benefits which they may be entitled to.
Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “I very much welcome this new one call service which will go towards easing the pain and stress for many families affected by the loss of a relative. Relatives who have just lost a loved one can find it extremely stressful and daunting trying to finance funeral costs. Many are not aware of the benefits they may be entitled to and reporting a death to social security is added stress family members do not need at such a difficult time.
“This new service by the Social Security Agency will allow individuals easy access to an advice line that will provide information in these circumstances as well as assisting eligible individuals with making a claim for bereavement benefits.
“The dedicated phone line will mean people can report the death to the Social Security Agency, apply for bereavement benefit and make a claim for a Social Fund Funeral Payment.”
The Bereavement Service can be accessed by calling the FREEPHONE number 0800 085 2463.
