How to Claim Bereavement Support Payment UK 2026

In the unfortunate event that your husband, wife or civil partner dies, then you may be entitled to bereavement support.

While this will in no way make up for your loss, the hope is that it will give you some security to prevent you from experiencing financial hardship due to the costs that are incurred when a spouse or civil partner dies.

At Brown Turner Ross, we recognise how difficult this time can be, and we are passionate about those suffering bereavement understanding their financial rights and eligibility.

Carry on reading for more information about what bereavement grants are available and whether you are eligible to claim them. You can find out more information on dependency claims here.

Claiming Bereavement Support Payment

Bereavement Support Payment is a conglomeration of multiple forms of bereavement benefits (Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment, and Widowed Parents Allowance) that were available in the past, and applies to bereavements on or after 6^th April 2017, provided the claimant was under State Pension Age.

If you are eligible for a Bereavement Support Payment, you will receive either a higher rate or a lower rate payment plan. Each plan consists of an initial lump sum and then up to 18 monthly instalments.

Remember, to receive full payment, you must make your claim within three months of the passing.

What Makes You Eligible for a Lower Rate Bereavement Support Payment?

You are eligible for the lower rate Bereavement Support Payment if you are not entitled to Child Benefit for a child living with you. This means you will receive a smaller initial lump-sum payment.

The lower rate of support is an initial payment of £2500, followed by up to 18 monthly instalments of £100.

What Makes You Eligible for a Higher Rate Bereavement Support Payment?

To be eligible for the higher rate of support, you must either be entitled to Child Benefits or you or your partner must have been pregnant when your partner died.

The higher rate of support is an initial payment of £3500, followed by up to 18 monthly instalments of £350.

Is Everyone Entitled to Bereavement Benefit?

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for the Bereavement Support Payment, and certain criteria must be met before payments can be granted.

Who is Eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?

In recent years, eligibility for the Bereavement Support Payment has changed. Those eligible for the payment include:

Married Couples and Civil Partnerships

You will be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment if you were married or in a civil partnership and under the State Pension age when your partner died.

Your partner must have either paid National Insurance for at least 25 weeks in a single tax year since 6^th April 1975, or have died because of a fatal accident at work or a disease that was caused by work. If this is the case, then we may also be able to support you in making any fatal accident at work claims.

Finally, you must also have been living either in the UK or any one of these countries that support bereavement allowance.

Cohabiting Parents with Dependent Children

Cohabiting parents with dependent children are now eligible for Bereavement Support Payments thanks to a law change on February 9, 2023, which extended eligibility to unmarried parents for the first time, allowing for new claims and potentially backdated payments for those bereaved since 2001 (or 2018 for full rates).

How do you Claim a Bereavement Payment?

To claim Bereavement Support Payment, you need to contact the Bereavement Service helpline on 08007310469. You can also apply for a claim by post after filling in a BSP1 form, or by visiting a Jobcentre Plus office.

You will need to provide your partner’s original death certificate, as well as both of your National Insurance numbers.

How Long Does a Bereavement Payment Take?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will aim to make the first payment into your bank or building society account as soon as it can after receiving your application for Bereavement Support Payment, provided that you are eligible. Usually, this ends up being a few weeks after you send your application.

To receive the full amount of instalments, you must claim within 3 months of the death of your partner. You can apply up to 21 months after their death, but if you apply after 3 months, then you may receive less money.

Bereavement Payment for Next of Kin

Bereavement Support Payment is currently only available after the death of a spouse or civil partner.

If your next of kin, on whom you were dependent, died in a fatal accident, then you may be able to file a fatal accident claim to receive compensation for their death.

What is a Widow’s Pension?

Widow’s Pension was one of the many forms of grievance allowance operating before 2017. In 2001, it was replaced by Bereavement Allowance, which, in turn, has since largely been replaced by Bereavement Support Payment.

Widow Benefits UK

Bereavement Support Payment is the most common form of benefit for a widow at the time of writing.

However, there may be circumstances where widows would be eligible for other types of benefits.

For example, if your partner died before 6^th April 2017, you are not receiving Bereavement Support Payment, and you are entitled to Child Benefits, then you may be entitled to a Widowed Parent’s Allowance.

Also, if you are eligible for certain benefits, then you may also be able to claim funeral expenses.

Bereavement Help with Funeral Costs

Funeral Expenses Payment is available to help you pay for the cost of your partner’s funeral, provided that you or your partner are eligible for one or more of these benefits.

Claiming Funeral Costs

If you are planning to claim Funeral Expenses Payment, then you have six months to make the claim from the date of the funeral. You must have already paid for the funeral to receive the Funeral Expenses Payment. If not, then it will be paid to the organiser of the funeral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions we receive regarding Bereavement Support Payment include:

Can I Claim Bereavement if my Partner Dies?

If you were married, in a civil partnership or pregnant when your partner died, then you may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment.

You must also meet other qualifying criteria that relate to your location, age, and your partner’s National Insurance contributions.

Can I Claim Bereavement Payment for my Parents?

Unfortunately, you cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment following the death of a parent.

Can I Claim Bereavement Payments for my Child?

If you work in England, Scotland, or Wales, you have 56 weeks to take Parental Bereavement Leave or to claim Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay from your employer. This period begins on the date of your child’s death.

Can I Claim Bereavement Payment for the Loss of my Baby?

You cannot claim bereavement payment for the loss of your baby.

If you are eligible for Child Benefits, then you may be eligible to receive Child Benefit payments for 8 weeks after their passing.

Does Bereavement Support Payment Affect Universal Credit?

Bereavement Support Payment does not affect your benefits, including Universal Credit, for the first 12 months.

After a year has passed since your first payment, money that is left over could have an effect on the amount you would be eligible for if you were to renew or claim another benefit.

Are Bereavement Payments Means-Tested in the UK?

Bereavement Support Payments are not means-tested. They also do not need to be declared to HMRC. However, you must declare your receipt of Bereavement Support Payment to your benefits office.

Are Bereavement Support Payments Taxable?

No, Bereavement Support Payment is not taxable.

Is Bereavement Support Payment Counted as Disregarded Income?

Yes, both the initial Bereavement Support Payment and the following monthly instalments are classified as disregarded income.

Understand Your Rights with Brown Turner Ross

Through this guide, you should now have a deeper understanding of your rights when applying for Bereavement Support Payments. At Brown Turner Ross, we have helped countless clients claim the money they are eligible for and deserve.

Need help with obtaining Bereavement Support Payments or looking for additional support? Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.