In times of grief, understanding your available financial support options becomes crucial. That’s why this resource aims to shed light on various avenues of financial support for bereaved families.

One significant form of financial assistance comes in the form of the Bereavement Support Payment. This is a financial support scheme provided by the government to help individuals cope with the financial impact of losing a spouse or civil partner. You will be eligible if you’re under the State Pension age when your partner died. Your partner must have also paid a certain amount of Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance payments.

You can learn more about the Bereavement Support Payment here.

Funeral costs can be a significant source of financial strain. The Funeral Expenses Payment is designed to help alleviate this burden. This government support covers essential funeral expenses for those who are eligible. How much you’re entitled to depends on your circumstances, but it should help to fund burial fees, cremation fees, travel to the funeral, the cost of moving the body within the UK and death certificates. 

You can learn more about the Funeral Expenses Payment here.

For families taking on the responsibility of raising a child who has lost one or both parents, the Guardian’s Allowance provides financial assistance of £20.04 a week. This tax-free payment aims to ease the financial challenges associated with bringing up a child and is an essential resource for families facing the dual challenges of grief and financial strain.

You can learn more about the Guardian’s Allowance here.

Recognising the unique financial challenges families face when a child passes away, the Children’s Funeral Fund for England assists with funeral costs. This fund aims to relieve the financial pressure on grieving families, allowing them to focus on healing rather than worrying about the economic impact of a tragic loss. It isn’t means-tested, meaning that how much you earn or what you have in savings will not affect what you get. 

You can learn more about the Children’s Funeral Fund For England here.

Introduced to support employed parents coping with the death of a child, Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay offers financial support for bereaved families. It means that you and your partner may be able to take time off work if your child dies before they turn 18, or if you have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

You can learn more about the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay here.

Amidst the emotional turmoil of loss, it’s crucial for families to take proactive steps to secure financial stability. Here are some key tips:

1. Understand Your Entitlements –  Familiarise yourself with the various means of financial support for bereaved families. Knowing your entitlements can help ease financial stress during an already challenging time.

2. Seek Professional Advice – Consider consulting with financial advisors or experts who specialise in bereavement-related financial matters. They can provide personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.

3. Explore Charitable Support – Reach out to charities like Turn2Us, the Bereavement Advice Centre and Macmillan Cancer Support for additional assistance. These organisations often have dedicated helplines and resources to guide you through the process of accessing financial aid.

4. Create a Financial Plan – Develop a realistic financial plan to manage immediate expenses and future financial needs. This plan should encompass funeral expenses, ongoing living costs, and any additional support needed for children or dependents.

The financial impact of a loss can compound the emotional distress for grieving families. However, by understanding and accessing the available government support and charitable resources, you can navigate these challenges more effectively. 

At The Laura Centre, we recognise the vast impact of loss. Our bereavement counselling services are tailored for children, parents and siblings alike.

Grief is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re seeking bereavement support in Leicester, contact our team of counsellors today.