Widow faces impossible choice as bereavement payments end

Lorraine – along with 100,000 others who have signed the petition, external – is calling for the UK government to raise the payment and increase it beyond 18 months.

She said: “There are plenty of others who are going to find themselves in my situation – struggling financially and emotionally.

“David paid into his national insurance for 20 years – this outstrips what we have been given in its entirety.

“The hardest thing is I am wearing so many hats.

“I am trying to be their grief counsellor, their mum, their breadwinner as well as trying to navigate my own grief and support my children.”

After a petition hits 100,000 signatures it can considered for debate at Westminster.

On Thursday Lorraine will be part of the group travelling to London to hand in a copy at Downing Street.

A spokesperson for the DWP said: “Bereavement Support Payment provides short term financial support, with higher amounts paid for those with children.

“Further help with everyday living costs may be available through benefits such as Universal Credit which provide targeted, means-tested support to those in greatest need.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, support and advice is available via the BBC Action Line.