Plans to extend bereavement benefit to cohabiting parents

The Department of Work and Pensions has announced plans to extend bereavement support to cohabitees with children. Previously, a surviving parent was only entitled to financial support if they were married or civil partners. Under new plans, Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Bereavement Support Payments will be available to surviving parents who were co-habiting at the time of death. Estimates suggest more than 22,000 families will benefit from an additional £320m over the next five years. Once approved by parliament, the changes will apply retrospectively from 30 August 2018, and backdated lump sum payments will be made.