Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what financial support his Department provides to a (a) widow and (b) widower who nursed their deceased marital partner through a terminal illness.

Bereavement Support Payment provides short-term support to working age people whose deceased spouse or civil partner has paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. It is intended to help with the immediate costs of bereavement and can be paid to both widows and widowers.

It consists of an initial payment and up to 18 monthly instalments with a higher amount for those with children. It is not taxable and can be paid on top of any income-related benefits the household receives thus benefiting those on lower incomes.

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 funeral costs. 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