Bereavement Benefits

Baroness Thomas of Winchester Excerpts

Monday 11th June 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Buscombe]

My Lords, my noble friend asked a Question about bereavement support payment and I have the greatest sympathy with people in this situation. However, we are talking about a system that was set up over 90 years ago to support women following World War I who would never be expected to work again and support their family, and who had no other means of support. This change restores fairness to the system by focusing on the 19-month period after a loved one dies. Unlike its predecessor, it applies to both men and women. It is not taxed and is not taken into account for income-related benefits to support children when in need, thus helping those on low incomes the most.

[Baroness Thomas of Winchester (LD)]

My Lords, how will Brexit affect the payment of this benefit to eligible EU nationals living here and British people living in the EU?

[Baroness Buscombe]

My Lords, Brexit will have no effect on this.