Martin Lewis warns of 'deadline' for thousands owed 'life-changing' £40,000

MARTIN Lewis has warned thousands of people they could owe up to £40,000 – don't miss the “rock-hard deadline” in just DAYS.

The Money Saving Expert delivered the urgent message during an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

He reminded Britons of the looming deadline to claim up to £40,000 in retrospective bereavement support by February 8.

He said: “This is very important money for some people in vulnerable positions. This is urgent.”

It comes as it is estimated that more than 21,000 survivors who were previously denied support can now claim bereavement support payments.

Payments can be worth up to £3,500, plus £350 per month for 18 months for those who qualify, but the amount varies depending on circumstances.

“This is a tough deadline. It is a huge amount of money, it is lifesaving and after February 8 it will be closed to so many people,” Martin Lewis warned.

Last year the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) changed the rules for death benefits and widowed parents' allowance.

Previously, benefits were only available to married couples and people in a registered partnership.

However, new rules introduced in February 2023 opened up payments to couples who lived together and had children.

The DWP allowed a twelve-month period for newly eligible claimants to backdate their claims.

Now the Money Saving Expert is urging anyone who may not be aware of the changes to check their eligibility.

This means that those who lost their partner before April 6, 2017, may be able to receive the widow parent allowance inheritance benefit, if it turns out that they were eligible on August 30, 2018.

Similarly, a surviving parent who lost their partner on or after April 6, 2017 may be eligible for the bereavement replacement benefit – if they were eligible on August 30, 2018.

The deadline for claiming is February 8, 2024.

After this, no claims for widowhood allowance will be accepted.

How can I claim bereavement benefits?

If you receive child benefit, you will receive the higher rates, but to receive the full amount you must file within the first three months of your partner's death.

If you receive bereavement support benefits, this will not affect your other benefits for one year.

The income you receive from this is then taken into account income-related benefits.

You can apply for bereavement benefits online, by telephone or by post.

To apply, you will need the following:

The government launched its online declaration form on a trial basis on February 9, meaning that only a limited number of applications can be forwarded every day.

You can apply for the benefit by telephone by calling the bereavement helpline on 0800 151 2012.

To apply by post, download the BSP1 bereavement support payment form from the government website, complete it and return it to the address given on the form.