Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of adequacy of the 18 month period for bereavement support payment.

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 with a higher amount paid for those with children.

Longer-term financial support is delivered through the wider welfare system, including through Universal Credit, Child Benefit and other forms of local support where appropriate. The Government keeps the adequacy of all benefits under review.