Recent bereavement of spouse or partner

This exemption may apply to clients and sole parents with work or work preparation obligations.

Clients whose spouse or partner has recently died can be exempt from meeting all their work or work preparation obligations to allow them time to adjust to their new circumstances. This is a full exemption.

Before granting this exemption you should consider the following factors:

• changes in living circumstances
• changes in childcare responsibilities
• particular religious or cultural beliefs or practices

Note you should consider the client's eligibility for Sole Parent Support.

The client needs to provide:

• personal statement or
• evidence included in their application for benefit
• a death notice from the newspaper or
• a death certificate

If the client has been granted a Funeral Grant for their spouse or partner they should not be asked to provide proof again.

This exemption is initially given for up to 3 months from the date of death.

You can extend the exemption. Before you do this you should ask the client to provide information to support the need for the exemption to continue.

Use SWIFTT exemption reason 'Recent bereavement of partner/spouse'.

For more information see:

• Full or partial exemptions