09 February 2023 , 12:08
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Thousands more families could be entitled to money worth up to £10,000 thanks to a change in bereavement benefits.
Cohabiting parents with dependent children will be entitled to apply for Bereavement Support Payment from today (February 9).
Previously, this help was only available to parents who were married or in a civil partnership.
The change will benefit a further 1,800 families each year, while more than 21,000 households previously denied support can now apply for backdated payments.
To qualify, claimants must have been eligible for Bereavement Support Payment or Widowed Parent’s Allowance on or after August 30, 2018.
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The Bereavement Support Payment is worth £2,500, plus £100 a month for 18 months for those eligible.
If you get Child Benefit, you receive higher rates. This includes a first payment of £3,500, plus £350 a month for 18 months.
It means the maximum help you could receive is £9,800.
In order to receive the full amount, you must claim within the first three months of your partner's death.
You can claim up to 21 months afterwards, but you will get fewer monthly payments.
DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: “Losing a partner is tragic and this change will mean more bereaved parents can access this support through a profoundly difficult time for them and their children.
“It has been our priority to get this legislation right, so it is fairer to bereaved children with parents who were not married or in a civil partnership, and I am very pleased this is now confirmed in law."
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said: “We have made this important change to help thousands more grieving parents access the financial support they need and deserve.
“We know so many lone parents are doing their best to support their families through such a difficult time and our bereavement benefits offer a lifeline to help them adjust to the impact of this.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to make an application, as crucially, some bereaved parents will also be able to receive backdated payments to ensure they don’t miss out.”
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Bereavement Support Payment - what you need to know
To be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, you must be under state pension age and living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits.
Your partner must have either paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since April 6, 1975, or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
You can make a claim for Bereavement Support Payment online through Gov.uk, by calling the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012, or by downloading a form online.
If you aren’t eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, you might be entitled to Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.