Bereaved families are struggling to bury their loved ones due to the "unaffordable" costs of funerals, a charity has said.
Marie Curie, which supports those living with a terminal illness, told MSPs that some people on low incomes were unable to bury their deceased due to the high costs involved.
MSPs on Holyrood's Welfare Reform Committee are currently looking at how social security in Scotland should be delivered after the devolution of proposed new powers set out in the post-referendum Smith Agreement.
Funeral payments, which help those on low incomes pay for a burial or cremation, are among the benefits recommended for devolution.
Recent research by Citizens Advice Scotland found that burial costs range from £680 to more than £2,500, and cremation costs from £485 to £730 across Scotland.
The charity said: "Many people in Scotland are not able to afford the cost of a basic funeral for their family.
"These bereavement rites are simply unaffordable by some bereaved families, leaving some unable to bury their deceased.
"We would urge the Scottish Government to ensure that any future funeral payment ensures that those on low income can afford a basic funeral for their family members.
"This payment must also reflect the location of the claimant and the different levels of cost. The fund must also be adequately resourced so that people can claim all year round, wherever they live."
Richard Meade, Marie Curie head of policy and public affairs for Scotland, said the charity also wants to see benefits "fast-tracked" for people who are terminally-ill and their carers.
He told the committee: "Often what happens, certainly when you care for someone who is terminally-ill, when that person dies the support for the carer goes with it and they can often suddenly left without carers' allowance and other support.
"We need to make sure that we have appropriate support in place for carers after they have had their caring role."
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