My husband died 3 weeks ago 18th April 2025
I wasn’t in a state of mind to think about applying until last week but you can’t anyway until you’ve registered the death and have a certificate.
I had to apply online and then physically take in a Death Certificate to the jobcentre of all places for them to scan and return.
Two days later I had notification my application was successful.
I have two dependant children but only one is under 16, so I think I receive the higher rate. I’m still not sure what it is exactly, a lump sum then monthly payment for 2 years.
I was made redundant a week before he died, and my husband’s small business was struggling really money was not his motivation in life, so only a few bits of equipment and a truck to sell at some point. No life insurance or pension and bank accounts and credit card in debt, so the bereavement lump sum will at least pay our rent for the next couple of months until I’m able to face getting a new job, which at my age 56 will be difficult possibly.
I’ve now applied for Universal Credit but despite all the TV living off benefits in luxury programmes you see, I’m unconvinced a 3 person family two of whom are over 18 and now out of work, with no care plans or caring allowances or anything like that, are going to be awarded benefits of minimum £2k a month to cover our rent and essentials.
I see myself working warehouse nightshifts or 2-3 daytime jobs now to keep the roof over our heads. I won’t know what the landlord wants to do with the tenancy until mid June.
keep chasing