Connect with other carers: carersuk.org/forum
and as you are under state pension age, you
might be eligible for a Bereavement Support
Payment (BSP) if your wife met certain
National Insurance contribution conditions.
There are two rates:
• if you aren’t responsible for a child you
might be eligible for the standard rate,
which pays a one off lump sum of £2,500
followed by 18 monthly payments of £100
• if you are responsible for a child you might
be eligible for the higher rate, which pays
a one-off lump sum of £3,500 followed by
18 monthly payments of £350.
As well as looking into benefits, you should
also apply for a 25% single occupancy
discount on your council tax bill if you are
living by yourself now.
For more information visit our bereavement
section at carersuk.org/when-caring-ends.
The end of your caring role may take
time to adjust to. When you feel ready
you may want to think about learning
something new, volunteering or returning
to employment. When the time is right for
you to think about your plan going forward,
you might find it useful to visit our life after
caring section at
carersuk.org/when-caring-ends.
For carers in Northern
Ireland, the When
Caring Ends or Changes
information is now
available in booklet
format, thanks to a grant
from the Health and
Social Care Board.
Find the factsheet at
carersuk.org/northernireland
/policy/factsheets.
I hope this helps, and remember that
if you need to talk this through you can
contact the Carers UK Adviceline on
0808 808 7777 (Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm)
or email us at [email protected]
Forum: carersuk.org/forum
Tips from the
Carers UK Forum
My dad passed away this morning.
I’m in bits. I keep having moments when
I just burst into tears – I can’t help it
I’m so very sad for you, it’s a difficult
time. Always remember your dad
couldn’t have asked for a more loving,
caring daughter than you.
Just remember all your friends on the
forum are here for you. Make sure you
have something to eat at home.
I found it easiest to be home alone
after my husband died, then you don’t
have to “put on a happy face” for
anyone. It’s been a traumatic time for
you, now is the time for rest and sleep.
If you can’t sleep, ask your GP for help.
You did your very best for him and
I’m sure he knew it and felt loved
right to the end. It will be tough for
you, but always try to remember
how well you did for him, you
couldn’t have done more.
A few days after my Dad died, I
went through our family photos,
to remind me of the happy times,
selected my favourite ones and set
up a memory shelf.
Get involved
You can talk to other carers who
understand 24/7 at the Carers UK Forum
– visit carersuk.org/forum to get started.
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