Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he is considering extending the duration of Bereavement Support Payment from 18 months to a longer period.

Bereavement Support Payment aims to provide support during the acute period following a bereavement by way of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly instalments. Where longer-term financial support is needed, benefits such as Universal Credit have been specifically designed to provide assistance with ongoing living costs. The Government keeps the eligibility of all benefits under review.