Asked by: Olivia Bailey (Labour - Reading West and Mid Berkshire)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to improve support available to bereaved parents.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
An eligible parent whose spouse or partner dies can receive the higher rate of Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) comprising a £3,500 lump sum, followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £350. This provides additional financial support for families following a bereavement.
Where a family receives Universal Credit, the bereavement run-on can temporarily maintain relevant elements of the award following the death of a partner, child or another person in the household. Bereaved parents may also benefit from easements to Universal Credit work-related requirements, depending on their circumstances.
Help with funeral costs may also be available through Funeral Expenses Payments to parents who receive a qualifying benefit.
The Government keeps bereavement support policy under review and continues to consider evidence from a range of sources, including the experiences of bereaved parents and families.