Good News!

The DWP has just made an announcement that the cohabiting couples will be able to start applying for Bereavement Support Payments and Widowed Parent's Allowance from THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY. 

The benefits are designed to help parents with the financial impact of losing a partner. Previously it was only available to eligible bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership.

The law change will ensure more children in bereaved families are equally supported, regardless of their parent’s legal relationship status.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened a special 12-month application window for bereaved parents with dependent children whose partner died before 9 February 2023. The bereavement benefit and amount they are entitled to will depend on when they lost their partner.

To qualify, claimants must have met the eligibility criteria for either Bereavement Support Payment or Widowed Parent’s Allowance on or after 30 August 2018.

This means those who lost their partner before 6 April 2017 might be able to receive the legacy benefit Widowed Parent’s Allowance, should they be found to have been eligible for this on 30 August 2018.

Similarly, a surviving parent who lost their partner on or after 6 April 2017 may be eligible for its replacement, Bereavement Support Payment, should they have been qualified for this on 30 August 2018.

Forms and access to the Bereavement Support Helpline can be found by clicking the button below.

CLAIM BEREAVEMENT BENEFITS