Bereavement benefits need to be altered to better support those who have suffered the death of a loved one, government research has found.
It noted that the need for additional support is greatest in the first few months following bereavement.
At present grieving families are entitled to claim a range of immediate and longer term benefits depending on their financial circumstances.
However the report suggested that more of this support should be focused on the short term needs of families immediately following the death.
The study was part of a government consultation on the process, while earlier this month reinsurer RGA highlighted that many people may be unaware of available benefits.
Researchers for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) noted that longer term benefits sometimes distracted people from finding suitable sources to replace the lost income or from claiming out of work benefits.
"While the short-term financial support provided had considerable value for many people following bereavement, longer-term financial support was more likely to have a neutral value or in many cases replace what might be a more suitable and supportive out-of-work benefit," it said.
"The research identified that the need for additional support is greatest in the first few months following bereavement, when considerable costs can be faced.
"Removing the regular payment element and replacing it with a larger lump sum paid in the immediate aftermath of bereavement would position the benefit clearly as short-term financial support and would simplify the benefit.
"It would also make the money available at the time it was most needed," it added.
The survey involving 60 face-to-face interviews of benefit recipients warned that some structure needed to be put in place to assist in financial planning at the time and ensure the money was not squandered.
"There were some concerns raised by people about their ability to make sensible or considered decisions during the very difficult time immediately after the bereavement and respondents welcomed the security of the regular payments for this reason," it continued.
"There are concerns that a larger lump sum payment paid in one go may encourage big ticket purchases or simply spending more money on the funeral, which would then leave people without financial support for bills and housekeeping during the first few months following bereavement.
"Consideration could be given to splitting a larger lump sum payment into two or three instalments spread out over three to four months to mitigate against this risk," it concluded.
