Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department notifies surviving spouses about their entitlement to Bereavement Support Payment as a matter of routine; and how long after the death of a husband, wife or civil partner such notification is issued.

The Department does not notify surviving spouses or civil partners about any possible entitlement to Bereavement Support Payment as a matter of routine. However, information is available which aims to ensure people are aware of any benefits to which they may be entitled and how to claim them. The way information is made available about bereavement benefits is under constant review to try to ensure bereaved people know about their possible right to benefit. As well as traditional sources of information (such as leaflets), we have worked with funeral directors, Registrars and voluntary groups to try to ensure people are fully informed of the action to take following the loss of a husband, wife or civil partner.