The government has signalled that it intends to set up regulations for the new benefit-
'Bereavement Support Payment is a new benefit which replaces the current suite of bereavement benefits (Bereavement Payment, Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent’s Allowance) for those whose spouse or civil partner dies on or after 6 April this year. These changes will not affect those already in receipt of bereavement benefits. These people will continue to receive their current benefit for the natural lifetime of the award.' and 'Bereavement Support Payment will not be taxable, will not be included in the assessment of benefit income which will be subject to the household benefit cap, and will also be subject to a disregard in the calculation of income- based benefits. Additionally, Bereavement Support Payment will not affect the bereaved person’s concurrent entitlement to contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or contributory Employment and Support Allowance, where appropriate. Also, unlike the current bereavement bene ts, a bereaved person who remarries or re-partners will be able to keep their Bereavement Support Payment.
... a uniform payment structure with a single National Insurance contribution condition. There is a higher rate of payment for pregnant women and people with dependent children in recognition of the greater costs borne by these families.... extend the duration of the bene t from 12 months to 18 months...Recipients with children can receive an initial larger payment of £3,500 and up to 18 subsequent monthly payments of £350, and those without children can receive an initial payment of £2,500 and up to 18 monthly instalments of £100.'
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