Time is Running Out
Households in the UK have the opportunity to claim tens of thousands of pounds in owed cash thanks to a recent rule change. However, time is running out for Brits to stake their claim, with only three weeks left to take advantage of this little-known payment.
Bereavement Reimbursement for Cohabiting Parents
More than 21,000 bereaved households, who were previously denied support, can now claim bereavement reimbursement. This rule change means that cohabiting parents with dependent children are now entitled to support if one of them passes away. Previously, this help was only available to those who were married or in a civil partnership.
Make a Claim Now
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging those who were previously affected to make a claim as soon as possible. The amount of benefit that can be claimed will depend on when their partner died. If the death occurred before April 6, 2017, it's Widowed Parent's Allowance. If it occurred after that date, it's Bereavement Support Payment. The payments can even be backdated as far as August 30, 2018.
How to Qualify for a Payment
To qualify for a payment, claimants must have met the eligibility criteria for either bereavement support payment or widowed parent's allowance on or after August 30, 2018. This means that those who lost their partner before April 6, 2017, might be eligible for the legacy benefit widowed parent's allowance if they were found to be eligible on August 30, 2018. Similarly, a surviving parent who lost their partner on or after April 6, 2017, may be eligible for the replacement benefit, bereavement support payment, if they were qualified for it on August 30, 2018.
How to Claim
Claiming bereavement support payments can be done online, by telephone, or by post. Applicants will need their National Insurance number, bank or building society account details, the date their partner died, and their partner's National Insurance number.
Online applications can be made through the government's website, but due to a trial basis, only a limited number of daily applications can be accepted. Those who prefer to apply over the phone can call the bereavement service helpline. Alternatively, a downloadable form is available on the government's website for those who wish to apply by post.
