How an Empowering Piece of Advice Helped a Woman Reclaim a Whopping £33,000

A poignant anecdote arose from a recent instalment of the Martin Lewis Money Show, in which a viewer expressed her appreciation for a financial tip that resulted in a substantial windfall. Sherry, who had been grappling with the sudden loss of her partner during pregnancy, divulged that she was able to recoup an impressive £33,000 in retroactive bereavement support, courtesy of a recommendation from the show.

In a sincere missive to the host, Martin Lewis, Sherry recounted, “I lost my partner unexpectedly whilst I was pregnant and I wasn’t entitled to any support. I received a backdated payment of over £33,000! This will make a massive difference to our quality of life. I can’t thank you enough.”

Martin Lewis also underscored the urgency of the situation, stressing the need to act promptly. He implored, “If you know someone this may affect, tell them and tell them now – it’s urgent.”

The financial advice pertained to the Bereavement Support Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This support has superseded various benefits such as Widowed Parent’s Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, and Bereavement Payment. The recent policy alteration by the DWP has facilitated a 12-month timeframe to retrospectively claim Bereavement Support Payment for cohabiting parents.

Parents whose partners passed away prior to February 9, 2023, have until the conclusion of February 8, 2024, to assert their entitlement to retroactive Bereavement Support Payment. Subsequent to this deadline, the opportunity to claim Widowed Parents Allowance (WPA) will cease, rendering it essential for eligible individuals to act expeditiously.

The financial assistance offered is intended to mitigate the financial strain of losing a partner and can be backdated to August 30, 2018. The process for lodging Bereavement Support Payment claims is adaptable, allowing individuals to apply online, over the phone, or via a paper application form. Conversely, WPA claims are exclusively processed through paper forms via the GOV.UK website or the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012.

The poignant anecdote shared by Sherry serves as a reminder of the pivotal influence that financial guidance and support can wield on individuals contending with arduous circumstances. It also underscores the significance of staying abreast of alterations in policies and regulations pertaining to financial aid. Thanks to the astute counsel dispensed by the Martin Lewis Money Show, Sherry’s life has been decidedly uplifted, and her narrative stands as a beacon of hope for others who may derive benefit from comparable resources.