New Bereavement Service Launches

A new 'one call' service, which helps bereaved relatives check if they're eligible for help with funeral costs, has been launched by the Social Security Agency.

The new Bereavement Service, offers relatives a single point of contact for reporting a death to the Social Security Agency, and also helps them access any other benefits which they may be entitled to.

Minister McCausland said: "Dealing with a death is an extremely stressful and difficult time. Many people may not know who to contact to cancel benefits or be aware that they may be entitled to additional benefits themselves.

"The new Bereavement Service will ease the process by offering information in these circumstances, and provides additional help to people by checking their eligibility for benefits."

The Bereavement Service can be easily accessed by calling the free phone number, 0800 085 2463.

Approximately over 60% of benefit customers that pass away are in receipt of more than one benefit or service from the Social Security Agency, and 40% leave behind a surviving husband, wife or civil partner. Previously, a person reporting a death had to make multiple calls to the Social Security Agency to ensure that all benefit areas had been informed, and to enquire about any benefits or services the surviving partner may be entitled to.

(CD)