Benefits
Any benefits you receive may change after the person you are caring for dies. Seek help and advice from a benefits advisor.
If you are claiming Carer's Allowance, you can usually continue to claim for eight weeks. Then, if you are under 60 years old and do not have a job, you will normally be expected to claim Job Seekers Allowance.
Pensions
If you or your spouse or civil partner were receiving a pension, the amount you receive may change after their death.
Payments after bereavement
If you were looking after a husband, wife or civil partner, you may be able to claim a Bereavement Payment or Bereavement Allowance. These benefits depend on age and National Insurance contributions. People receiving a state retirement pension cannot usually apply for Bereavement Allowance but may be able to get the Bereavement Payment.
Bereavement Allowance should be claimed within three months and the Bereavement Payment should be claimed within 12 months of the death.
If you have children, or are expecting a child, you may be eligible for Widowed Parent's Allowance.
Further information
You can find out more about financial matters after bereavement by reading When caring comes to an end, a practical guide developed by Carers UK and Help the Hospices.
