The DWP Bereavement Service offers eligibility checks for surviving relatives to find out if there are any benefits they can now claim or whether you are entitled to increased State Pension payments. You can contact them on 0800 151 2012.

· With effect from 9th February 2023 unmarried parents who have lost a partner are now able to claim Bereavement Support (this has recently replaced Widowed Parent’s Allowance). Bereavement Support takes the form of an initial lump sum payment followed by 18 monthly payments.

· Also, Age UK offer a free online calculator which you can use to identify benefits you may be able to claim. Click on the link to access this: www.ageuk.org.uk/calculator .

· If you are now living alone following a death, you could be entitled to a reduction of 25% in your Council Tax payments.

· In addition, depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to Pension Credit which is extra money from the government designed to help you cover your costs if you're over State Pension age and living on a low income. Click on the link to find out if you might be eligible www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or call on 0800 99 1234. In some cases, you may even be entitled to additional State Pension based on your spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance contributions.

· If the deceased served in the Armed Forces at some point during their lives, you can also access advice and support services from Veterans UK. Contact them on 0808 1914 218 or click on the link to find out if there are any additional benefits or support you can receive www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk .

· Some employers also offer a benevolent fund which can provide financial support following bereavement so it might be worth checking to see if this is the case with current or previous employers for your spouse or civil partner and also with your own employers.

· Finally, once the DWP are made aware of the death, it may be a few weeks before pension or benefits payments stop. Remember that these will need to be repaid.