VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Bereavement Support Payment

Asked by Shaun DaviesLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 18 March 2026UIN 120086

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Bereavement Support Payment in supporting widowed families.

Answered by Andrew Western

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) aims to provide support during the acute period following a bereavement by way of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly instalments with a higher amount paid for those with children. Where longer-term financial support is needed, benefits such as Universal Credit have been specifically designed to provide assistance with ongoing living costs. The Government keeps the eligibility of all benefits under review.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim