Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what financial and other support his Department makes available to recently bereaved carers.

Bereavement care is a key part of the provision of good end of life care. In July 2016, the Government set out its commitment to everyone at the end of life in the Government response to the independent Review of Choice in End of Life Care. ‘Our Commitment to you for end of life care’ set out what everyone should expect from their care at the end of life and the actions we are taking to make high quality and personalisation a reality for all and to end variation in end of life care across the health system by 2020.

Bereaved families and carers should have access to information and support as set out in the commitment, including bereavement care, appropriate to their circumstances. This information may also be included in their carer’s assessment where there is an appearance of need as stated under the Care Act 2014.

In addition, for those claiming Carer’s Allowance, entitlement can continue for up to eight weeks following the death of the disabled person who was being cared for. This eight-week run-on helps carers who have recently been bereaved by giving them some time to adapt to their new circumstances and make plans for their future.