Explanatory note

These Regulations make further amendments to the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987.

Regulation 2(2) extends the period for claiming a bereavement payment from 3 to 12 months and regulation 4 provides for the extended period to apply in respect of deaths occurring on or after 1st April 2003.

Regulation 2(3) provides for a winter fuel payment to be paid, alternatively, to the partner of the person entitled despite the partner being aged under 60 if the partner receives income support or an income-based jobseeker’s allowance.

Regulation 3 makes a consequential amendment to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2000.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.