DWP is in the final stages of expanding Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance to parents of working age who were not married or in a civil partnership when their partner passed away.
Subject to final parliamentary approval of the draught Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2022, it is anticipated that the application window would open early this year, allowing more parents to apply.
Some individuals may be entitled for retroactive benefits if their spouse passed away before the legislation was amended.
According to the DWP, they will shortly post more information on gov.uk clarifying the application window and how to apply.
Bereavement Support Payment claims are submitted via gov.uk or by phoning the DWP’s Bereavement Service hotline.
Claims for Widowed Parent’s Allowance will be processed manually; forms may be downloaded at gov.uk.
Minister for Work and Pensions Viscount Younger of Leckie commented: “I am pleased to see this important change is nearing its very final steps to becoming law, so more bereaved parents can access this support.”
The DWP were forced into making the change to bereavement benefits eligibility following a court defeat.