Bereavement Support Deadline and Warm Home Discount
Summary
Moneybox investigates the looming deadline for 12,000 unmarried parents to claim £175 million in backdated bereavement benefits, highlighting a poignant personal story and expert advice. The episode also uncovers £253 billion in bank accounts earning no interest, prompting a discussion on banks' responsibility and regulatory action. Additionally, it details the final cost of living payment for low-income households and explores recent changes to the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which have left some previous recipients ineligible.Episode description
Around twelve thousand unmarried parents with dependent children whose partner has died have just a few days to claim their share of an estimated £175 million in bereavement benefits. The figures came from Freedom of Information Requests to the Department for Work and Pensions. People must claim that money before Thursday 8th February. If you think you, or someone you know, may be eligible check by searching for "bereavement support payment" on the gov.uk website.
New figures show £253 billion is sitting in bank accounts which pay no interest at all. Should banks be telling us to move it?
The government is sending out the final cost of living payment for low income households this month. It's £299 straight into bank accounts. We've got all the details. And some people who got £150 off their electricity bill last year are discovering they are not entitled this year, because their home isn't hard enough to heat. We'll discuss changes to the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth, Tamzin Kraftman, Eimear Devlin Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 3rd February 2024)