A recent rule change means that parents whose partners died between April 2001 and February 2023 could qualify for backdated bereavement benefits.
But you only have until 8 February to claim, so you’ll need to act fast.
Last year, the government extended eligibility for bereavement support payment (BSP) and widowed parent's allowance to cohabiting parents with dependent children.
These benefits were previously only available to families where the parents were married or in a civil partnership.
BSP pays a one-off lump sum of £2,500 (£3,500 if you're entitled to child benefit), and up to 18 monthly payments of £100 (£350 if entitled to child benefit), so you could receive a maximum of £4,300 or £9,800 depending on whether you have children.
To find out more visit https://apply-for-bereavement-support-payment.dwp.gov.uk/apply?lang=en
Posted on Monday 29th January 2024