Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of changing the Bereavement Support Allowance eligibility from a fixed period of 21 months to an indefinite and ongoing payment which would be means tested based on annual income.

There are currently no plans to reform Bereavement Support Payment (BSP). BSP is a contributory benefit intended to help with the immediate costs of bereavement. In common with other contributory benefits, BSP is not means tested. Other sources of financial assistance, including Universal Credit, are available for those who require on-going financial support.

Whilst we have no plans for broader reform, on 15th July we laid a draft proposal for a Remedial Order (The Bereavement Benefits Remedial) Order 2021) that will extend eligibility to Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Bereavement Support Payment to cohabitees with dependent children. Further details can be found on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bereavement-benefits-proposal-for-implementation-of-the-mclaughlin-2018-and-jackson-2020-judgments