Bereavement

Help for those who are left

A death in the family can cause money problems for those who are left. This may only be for a short time, while you wait for the case to be released after probate, or you may need long-term help.

The Government introduced a new system of bereavement benefits for men and women from 9 April 2001. Those getting Widow's Pension or Widowed Mother's Allowance will continue to get them for as long as they satisfy the existing entitlement conditions.

Please view the Directgov - Bereavement Factsheets for more details.

Support and comfort

You may feel that you want more than practical advice, and that you need to talk with someone sympathetic who is outside your immediate family or with other people who have been through a similar experience. In addition to ministers of religion and hospital chaplains there are several organisations in England and Wales which give this kind of support.