In February 2023, the Government extended bereavement support to cohabiting parents in response to two legal challenges and a decade-long campaign by bereavement charities including WAY Widowed and Young and the Childhood Bereavement Network.
On 8 February 2023, the Minister signed the Remedial Order and on 9 February 2023, people were able to start submitting their claims. They had a one year window to do so. Retrospective payments for Widowed Parent’s Allowance closed at midnight on 8 February 2024 (for parents bereaved before 6 April 2017). However, if you were bereaved after that date, you may still receive some retrospective payments if you apply by 8 November 2024.
