Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support his Department offers for people in the work-place who have suffered a bereavement; and if he will make a statement..

Bereavement Support Payment provides short-term financial support to people of working age whose deceased spouse or civil partner had paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. It focuses support on the 18 month period after the death of a spouse or civil partner in order to help with the immediate costs of bereavement.

Bereavement Support Payment consists of an initial payment and up to 18 monthly instalments payable to the surviving spouse or civil partner. Recipients with children can receive an initial payment of £3,500 and monthly payments of £350, whilst those without can receive an initial payment of £2,500 and monthly instalments of £100. It is not taxable and is paid on top of any income-related benefits the household receives thus not disadvantaging low income families. It can be paid regardless of whether the surviving spouse or civil partner is in work.

Those in receipt of a means-tested benefit or tax credits may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment if they are responsible for arranging a funeral. Funeral Expenses Payments provide help towards the cost of a simple respectful funeral. They cover specified necessary costs, for example burial or cremation fees, plus a contribution of up to £700 towards other costs such as funeral directors fees.