§ Mrs. DeanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for bereavement payments have been refused in each year since 1995; and how many were refused because of late claims. [24062]
§ Malcolm WicksOur reforms of bereavement benefits introduced in April 2001 concentrate the help available where and when it is needed most—on immediate needs and on families with children. For the first time these benefits are available equally to both men and women. Immediate help with costs arising on bereavement is provided by a lump sum bereavement payment of £2,000—double the old widow's payment of £1,000.
Out of a total of 9,327 applications for a bereavement payment, 3161 were refused during the period 9 April 2001 to 30 November 2001. Information is not collected separately on applications which do not succeed because of a late claim. Information on the number of applications for a widow's payment prior to 9 April 2001 which did not succeed was not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
1Source:
Pensions Strategy Computer System 100 per cent. bereavement benefit data.