DWP warns there are just two weeks left to get backdated benefit after law change

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned that there are only a couple of weeks left to backdate a benefit.

It comes after the government extended the eligibility criteria for Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent's Allowance. The benefit was previously only eligible for bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership.

However, now it is also geared to support parents with any financial impacts from losing a partner due to a change in the law. Because of the change, parents are now able to backdate their claim for the benefit, but there is a deadline for this.

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The DWP wrote on social media: "Bereaved cohabiting parents who lost their partner between 9 Apr 2001 and 8 Feb 2023 may be eligible for backdated Widowed Parent's Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment. Those eligible have 2 weeks left to claim, up to 8 Feb 2024."

DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: "Losing a partner is tragic and this change will mean more bereaved parents can access this support through a profoundly difficult time for them and their children. It has been our priority to get this legislation right, so it is fairer to bereaved children with parents who were not married or in a civil partnership, and I am very pleased this is now confirmed in law."

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said: "We have made this important change to help thousands more grieving parents access the financial support they need and deserve. We know so many lone parents are doing their best to support their families through such a difficult time and our bereavement benefits offer a lifeline to help them adjust to the impact of this.