Written question asked by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 June 2006. It was answered by James Plaskitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 June 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Bereavement Allowance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to increase the number of men receiving bereavement allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We keep under review the way that information is made available about benefits so that bereaved people, at this very difficult time in their lives, know about their possible right to benefit and can act on it at the right time.As well as traditional sources of information we are working in partnership with funeral directors, registrars and voluntary groups such as Cruse, National Association of Widows and Citizens Advice Bureaux who may be contacted by bereaved people. In addition we will continue to look for opportunities across Government and their services as they develop, to improve advice about this particular benefit, to those most in need of it—the newly bereaved.

Secondary information