THOUSANDS more families can now apply for up to £10,000 in benefit payments from today.
The change means that cohabiting parents with dependent children who need support following the death of their partner can now apply for bereavement benefits.
GettyThousands more families are now eligible for backdated bereavement support payments[/caption]
The change will benefit 1,800 more families each year.
More than 21,000 households affected by bereavement but previously denied support can also apply for backdated payments from today.
Previously, only married parents could claim bereavement benefits.
However, campaigners defeated the policy in the High Court and Supreme Court back in August 2018.
In response, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published a “remedial order” last year granting the benefit to grieving partners.
The amendment has now received Parliamentary approval, and the application window which allows those affected to apply for the cash is now open.
To qualify for a payment, claimants must have met the eligibility criteria for either bereavement support payment or widowed parent’s allowance on or after August 30, 2018.
This means those who lost their partner before April 6, 2017 might be able to receive the legacy benefit widowed parent’s allowance, should they be found to have been eligible for this on August 30, 2018.
Similarly, a surviving parent who lost their partner on or after April 6, 2017 may be eligible for its replacement, bereavement support payment – should they have been qualified for this on August 30, 2018.
The bereavement support payment is worth up to £3,500, plus £350 a month for 18 months for those eligible though, so the extra money will be welcomed by hard-up Brits that qualify.
Keep in mind that the bereavement benefit and amount that people are entitled to will depend on when they lost their partner.
If you receive child benefit you will receive the higher rates but in order to receive the full amount, you must claim within the first three months of your partner’s death.
If you are getting bereavement support payment, it won’t affect your other benefits for a year.
After then, the income you get from it will be taken into account for means-tested benefits.
Mims Davies, minister for social mobility, youth and progression 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.”
How can I claim and apply for bereavement support payments?
You can apply for bereavement support payment online, by telephone or by post.
To apply, you’ll need:
Your National Insurance numberYour bank or building society account detailsThe date your partner diedYour partner’s National Insurance number
The government launched its new online claims form today (February 9) on a trial basis – so only a limited number of daily applications can be sent through.
You can apply for the benefit over the phone by calling the bereavement service helpline on 0800 151 2012.
To apply by post download the bereavement support payment BSP1 form from the government website, fill it in and return it to the address on the form.