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When a person’s life partner dies, there are changes in many of the financial arrangements built up by the couple over the years, affecting income levels and benefit entitlements, spending patterns, and money management.
Bereaved people in Britain are known to be at particular risk of poverty and problem debt. Little attention has been paid, however, to the financial and economic implications of the death of a partner. Anne Corden and Michael Hirst are working in this area, and will discuss findings from their recent ESRC funded study.
The research combines quantitative analysis of data from the British Household Panel Survey on over 750 couples where one partner died, with qualitative interviews with 44 people whose partner had died recently.
The findings have implications for a range of policy areas including pensions, benefits, taxation, and housing finance. Experiences of and feelings about financial and economic issues also affect the grieving process.
The authors consider how their findings might provide additional perspectives within models of bereavement. Findings will inform practitioners in bereavement services, primary and social care, palliative care, and legal advice.
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