§ Ms DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that widows and widowers are informed of their entitlement to widows and widowers' benefits. [63414]
§ Malcolm WicksWe recognise that at the time of a spouse's death it is important for a bereaved person to know about the full range of benefits that he or she may be entitled to.
Information about benefits that may be claimed is made available in a variety of ways. In the case of bereavement benefits, since March 2001 the Department has issued leaflets to doctors' surgeries, post offices and support organisations. Articles explaining the new benefits were placed in a variety of magazines prior to their introduction in April 2001. As with other benefits, information and a claim form can also be accessed through a number of Government internet sites.