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<p>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.</p><p>
</p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>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.</p>
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