Bereavement payment support

[mumzy7xx]

My partner very unexpectedly passed away just over 3 weeks ago. We share a 2 year old DD together and although we was together and living together we was not married. This has all been a big shock and he was very much the man of the house (he owns it) and we are still unsure if we will be able to stay here depending on cause of death if life insurance will cover the house ect. But in the meantime I have moved all Direct debits over in to my name. I do work part time but have applied to UC for the extra support. But my question is I’ve applied for the government Breavement payment I think it’s called sorry correct me if I’m wrong. A one of payment and 18 months monthly payments. Do you think I will be eligible for this despite not being married?
thanks for reading and sorry it’s so long my heads been everywhere.

Firstly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you and your DD are getting the help you need.
it didn’t used to be the case that you could receive but it was more recently extended to include unmarried couples as long as you lived together and shared children. I would give them a call and apply. I would think as long as you have the evidence then you should receive it.

@missmarplesapprentice thank you. yes I did apply today and I got an email to say I’d have a decision soon. Depending if they will need a death certificate or they might possibly just go of his NI? We are still awaiting a DC until we have got his PM results. I will keep my fingers crossed as we could really do with this if we are unable to stay in the family home I am not in a position to take on a mortgage or would be accept for one. We could have a difficult road ahead of us and possibly end up having to move and rent somewhere. It’s all just an utter nightmare. Thanks op

Gosh I’m so sorry, I had to help my BIL do this for my SIL and they weren’t married but they were entitled. The mortgage was in her name and they had a child but because he couldn’t afford the mortgage, they had to sell the house. Did he have a will?
Citizens advice might be able to put you in the right direction for more help x

No problem. I am glad you have been able to apply. it does sound like you’ll be entitled based on what you’ve said, they may just want some documents as proof (like your DDs birth certificate or something.

i don’t come from personal experience so it’s just things I have read. It may be worth speaking to a solicitor for some advice as it is likely your DD will be the beneficiary of his estate (unless he had a valid will saying otherwise). Did he have any life insurance which could be used to pay off the mortgage? If that is the case then you may stand a chance of being able to stay but a solicitor might be the best person to advise.
I hope you are both doing ok, sounds like it has been awfully traumatic but you’re doing the right thing by trying to get this sorted.

Thanks for your replies so yes he had life insurance. However he got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and never let them know. We think the chances of him having a heart attack are very high possibly caused by the apnea. Happened within two hours of him being asleep. So it is a real 50/50 if they try and link it to sleep apnea. However if it does pay out yes his whole estate will be our daughters. He had no will. I do plan to seek legal advice as things are getting complicated and tension high with his family over his tools ect (he had an electrical business) it’s all just a mess and we could really be looking at two different ends of the scale here.

@missmarplesapprentice thank you. I possibly think I’m still in shock trying to keep strong for our DD he was a fantastic dad and kept everything together I’m trying my best to do same for her sake.

It sounds like you are doing such a good job for your DD. It’s a shame that people can really become nasty and show some bad colours when “inheritance” is involved. Hopefully they back off and leave you both to grieve for the time being.
Youre doing a great job and he sounds like he was a great dad and partner. Please look after yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others.
it’s ok to be sad but it’s also ok to not be. Just do what you feel is right for you all.
i know your DD is still young but if you haven’t heard of the charity below, they offer some good advice for parents of children who are grieving. Winston’s Wish

@missmarplesapprentice thank you I will look into that. And just an update on the payment I had a phone call today to say my application was successful and the money will be paid in sometime next week. I was shocked at how fast they got back to me in just over 24 hours. Thank you for all your help.

No problem. I’m just glad you’ve managed to sort it and hopefully it makes your life just a little bit easier at this tough time.