Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Department for Communities - Child Funeral Fund

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Published on Wednesday 1 June 2022.

Ms Hargey (The Minister for Communities): I am committed to making real change and can announce that the Child Funeral Fund has become operational today. The establishment of the Child Funeral Fund will help to lessen the stress and anxiety for people during the most difficult and indeed the saddest of times.

My Department will pay a one-off lump sum payment of £3,056 to help families with the cost of a funeral on the death of a child under 18 or in the event of a still-birth after 24 weeks. The Fund is not means tested meaning it is available to everyone in the north regardless of their financial status.

Further information on how to apply is available by contacting the Bereavement Service and is also available on the NIDirect Website. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/child-funeral-fund

Deirdre Hargey MLA

Minister for Communities