Could you be entitled to backdated Bereavement Support Payment (BPS) or Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA)?

Bereaved parents should check their eligibility for financial support following recent changes in the law.

The Supreme Court, in 2018, ruled that it was not in line with the European Convention on Human Rights for unmarried partners with dependent children to be unable to claim BPS / WPA.

The Law changed from February 2023 when parliament approved the Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2023.  Cohabiting couples with dependent children are now eligible for BSP and WPA to ensure equality between cohabiting couples and those in marriages / civil partnerships.

The DWP are currently taking claims for those whose partner died between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023.  Claims must be submitted by 8 February 2024.

Find out if you’re eligible here

Eligibility criteria for claims can be found on gov.uk