"FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE"? SUPPORTING ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL TRANSITIONS FOLOWING FAMILY BEREAVEMENT: COMPARING POLICIES AND PRACTICE IN BRITAIN AND ISRAEL

Death of a family member can have substantial financial consequences upon bereaved families, potentially leading to economic hardship. Depending on which person dies, the family may lose earnings, pensions, and state benefits.... [ view full abstract ]

Death of a family member can have substantial financial consequences upon bereaved families, potentially leading to economic hardship. Depending on which person dies, the family may lose earnings, pensions, and state benefits. At the same time there may be immediate and long-term expenditure demands such as funeral expenses, housing costs, transport arrangements and debts. Such financial issues influence emotional and psychological experiences of grief and thus may increase family difficulties.

Recognizing these potential negative impacts, welfare states have historically developed policies aimed at supporting economic and financial transitions following partner and family bereavement. These policies are varied in nature and relate to different spheres and systems, among them the social security system, work arrangements, the private pension system, subsidised services, social services and funeral provision.

Surprisingly, despite their significant role and their comprehensive and diverse nature, policies of this kind have rarely been the focus of scholarly interest and comparative analysis. This proposed presentation will seek to address this empirical and theoretical gap. Using quantitative and qualitative data drawn from a range of sources (including: official publications, guidelines and government websites), it will compare the British and the Israeli cases to better understand the various ways these welfare states effectively implement their 'cradle-to-grave' ethos. Specifically, we will address the following questions:
• What are the current systems for economic support of bereaved people in
Britain and Israel?
• What works well in each country, and what problems arise?
• How might policy develop to fill current gaps, and address likely changes
in populations and resources?
• What are the responsibilities and roles for social workers supporting
bereaved people?