Thousands more parents will be able to access cash from the government after a change to benefits, according to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). A minister is urging single parents who have lost a partner to check whether they might be owed thousands of pounds.
The eligibility criteria for two benefits designed to support grieving parents after the loss of a partner - Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance - have been extended this week. Previously, only bereaved parents who had been married or in a civil partnership were entitled to the cash. But from today, co-habiting parents can access the support, regardless of their legal relationship status.
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP urged anyone who thinks they may now be eligible for the benefit to come forward. She said: "We have made this important change to help thousands more grieving parents access the financial support they need and deserve. We know so many lone parents are doing their best to support their families through such a difficult time and our bereavement benefits offer a lifeline to help them adjust to the impact of this."
