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Bereavement Counselling: Families

Asked by Christine JardineLiberal DemocratDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 26 March 2026UIN 122188

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to provide bereavement support to families grieving loved ones that passed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answered by Andrew Western

Bereavement Support Payment provides support during the acute period following a bereavement by way of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly instalments. It supports families though the immediate period of grief, including those who sadly lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic. 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 eligibility of all benefits under review.

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