In The News

Government agency updates service for bereaved relatives

Government agency updates service for bereaved relatives

THE Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland has updated information available to bereaved relatives who may be eligible for benefits such as Funeral Payments and the Bereavement Allowance.

The Bereavement Service handles all such matters for the Agency. 

A new ‘one-call’ service has also been introduced which will make it easier for relatives to report the death of a person who may have been receiving benefits. Once a death is reported, The Bereavement Service will now automatically notify all Social Security Agency offices which may have been involved in the payment of benefits to the person who has passed away.

The ‘one-call’ service can be reached on a freephone number: 0800 085 2463.

The Bereavement Service website (see below for link) also provides a wide range of information for people who may be eligible for certain benefits.

A person who is on a low income and is having to arrange a funeral may be entitled to apply for a Funeral Payment, which is made from the Social Fund. Some or all of the benefit may have to repaid from the deceased person’s estate.

For a person who is widowed, they might be eligible for a Bereavement Allowance which is paid for up to 52 weeks. The person applying should have been bereaved by the death of a husband, a wife or a civil partner.

A lump-sum payment of £2,000 might be available to someone who has lost a husband, wife or civil partner. The payment is tax-free but not everyone will be eligible. However, all the details are clearly set out on the site.

The Widowed Parent’s Allowance is also clearly explained. This allowance is paid to a parent whose husband, wife or civil partner has died and who has at least one child for whom they receive Child Benefit.

To visit The Bereavement Service website, click here.

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