Government plans to extend bereavement support to cohabiting couples with children
The Department for Work and Pensions has set out plans to allow cohabiting couples to access bereavement benefits.
Previously, a surviving parent could only claim the financial support if they had been married or in a civil partnership at the time of their spouse or civil partner’s death. Statistics estimate that more than 22,000 families will now be able to claim this vital help, totalling an additional £320 million in support for bereaved children over the next five years.
DWP Minister, Baroness Stedman-Scott said: ‘The death of a loved one is devastating, and can also come with significant financial implications. This change will mean more families can access support during the most difficult of times, and I hope to make that possible as swiftly as I can.’