Updated: Govt extends Bereavement Support Payment term but questions remain

clock • 4 min read

The government has announced that the new Bereavement Support Payment which comes into effect in April this year will be extended from 1 year to 18 months, although payments are now lower on a monthly basis.

This was a recommendation of the Committee in its Support for the bereaved report in March 2016 on bereavement benefits. The reforms come into effect from 6 April 2017 and is now one benefit which replaces bereavement payment, bereavement allowance and widowed parent"s allowance. Caroline Nokes MP, minster for welfare delivery, said of the changes: "The old system could be unfair, complex and also act as trap preventing people from moving on with their lives.  "That"s why we are modernising this support into a simple, uniform and easy-to-understand benefit that better reflects soci...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Third of mortgage holders have no protection cover

Third of mortgage holders have no protection cover

Around 16% have income protection in place

Jaskeet Briah
clock 30 April 2025 • 2 min read
Broken bones most common injury from accidents: MetLife UK

Broken bones most common injury from accidents: MetLife UK

Trips, road traffic accidents and falling common causes

Cameron Roberts
clock 30 April 2025 • 2 min read
1.5 million NHS appointments saved amid app reform

1.5 million NHS appointments saved amid app reform

87% of hospitals offering services through NHS App

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 April 2025 • 3 min read