Bereavement Support Payment
Bereavement Support Payment is a payment for bereaved spouses, civil partners, or surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children. This includes if you were pregnant when your cohabiting partner died.
We know the application process for benefits can be confusing and may seem daunting, especially when someone close to you has died. That's why we've put together this information about who can claim Bereavement Support Payment, how to claim it and where to get further support.
If you need help to pay for a funeral, read our information on help with funeral costs. If you're not sure which benefits you're entitled to, read our information on benefits for people affected by terminal illness or try our benefits calculator.
On this page:
What is Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment is a benefit paid to:
- bereaved spouses and
- bereaved civil partners and
- bereaved cohabiting partners with dependent children, including if you were pregnant when your cohabiting partner died.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) defines cohabiting partner as a "partner that you lived with as if you were married to them".
On this page, we usually use the word partner when the information applies to all of the relationships listed above. If the process or eligibility is different because of relationship status, we will use the specific terms in this list.
Bereavement Support Payment is to help with finances. It is not intended to provide a basic income to live on. Instead, it is paid on top of other earnings or benefits.
It is not means-tested. This means whether you can get it, and how much you get, is not affected by your income, savings or investments.
When was Bereavement Support Payment introduced?
Bereavement Support Payment was introduced on 6 April 2017 to replace Bereavement Allowance (previously known as Widow's Pension), Bereavement Payment, and in some circumstances, Widowed Parent's Allowance.
The law changed on 9 February 2023 to allow bereaved cohabiting partners with dependent children to apply.
Can I claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You may be entitled to some amount of Bereavement Support Payment if you meet the following eligibility criteria. It is important to seek independent advice from a benefits adviser, who can explain more about your individual situation.
Eligibility criteria for you
Your relationship with your partner who died
You and your partner were:
- married or
- civil partners or
- living together with dependent children or
- living together and you were pregnant when they died.
Your age and where you live
When your partner died, you were:
- under State Pension age and
- living in the UK or a country that pays UK bereavement benefits (find out more at GOV.UK ).
Bereavement Support Payment stops once you reach State Pension age.
Other criteria
You cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment if you're in prison.
Eligibility criteria for your partner who died
How long ago your partner died
Your partner must have died within the last 21 months.
If your partner died more than 21 months ago and:
- the cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after their death – go to the section If your spouse or civil partner died more than 21 months ago
- you have only become entitled to Bereavement Support Payment due to a change in the law more than 21 months after their death – go to the section If you lived with your partner and dependent children.
Your partner's work history
Your partner must have either:
- paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any single tax year since 6 April 1975 or
- died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
If your spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner had no work history due to lifelong disability, get advice about your entitlement from a benefits adviser.
If your spouse or civil partner died more than 21 months ago
You may still be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner's cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after their death. To find out more, call the Bereavement Service helpline in England, Scotland and Wales, or the Bereavement Service in Northern Ireland. Find the contact details you need.
If your spouse or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance instead. You must have at least one dependent child and meet certain other conditions. Find out more about Widowed Parent's Allowance at GOV.UK.
If you lived with your partner and dependent children
Surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children are now entitled to Bereavement Support Payment. This includes if you were pregnant when your cohabiting partner died. All the eligibility criteria for you and your partner who died apply. In this section, we explain what you may be able to claim based on the date of death.
If you were living with your partner but you did not live with dependent children and were not pregnant when your partner died, you are not entitled to Bereavement Support Payment.
The date of death was on or after 9 February 2023
The law was changed on 9 February 2023. If your partner died on or after this date, the normal rules and time limits for claiming apply.
The date of death was between 30 August 2018 and 8 February 2023
If your partner died on or after 30 August 2018 but before 9 February 2023, you may be entitled to the lump sum and monthly payments, if you make a claim by 8 February 2024 (including this date).
If you make a claim after 8 February 2024 but by 8 November 2024 (including this date) you may be entitled to some monthly payments. You will not be entitled to the lump sum.
The date of death was between 6 April 2017 and 29 August 2018
If your partner died on or after 6 April 2017 but before 30 August 2018, you may be entitled to some monthly payments depending on the date they died. You must make a claim by 8 February 2024 (including this date) to be entitled to these payments. You will not be entitled to the lump sum.
The date of death was before 6 April 2017
If your partner died before 6 April 2017 and you were a cohabiting partner with dependent children, you may be able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance.
You can get any payments that were due on or after 30 August 2018 if:
- your cohabiting partner died before 6 April 2017 and
- you continued to meet the eligibility criteria on 30 August 2018.
You must make a claim by 8 February 2024 (including this date) to qualify for backdated payments.
Find out more about Widowed Parent's Allowance at GOV.UK.
How much is Bereavement Support Payment?
The maximum amount that you might be entitled to is a lump sum payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. There are two rates:
- Lower rate: First payment = £2,500, monthly payments = £100.
- Higher rate: First payment = £3,500, monthly payments = £350.
You'll get the higher rate if:
- you get Child Benefit or
- you do not get Child Benefit, but are entitled to it or
- you were pregnant when your partner died.
You'll get the lower rate if:
• you do not get Child Benefit and
• you are not entitled to Child Benefit and
• you were not pregnant when your partner died.
Is Bereavement Support Payment taxable?
No – Bereavement Support Payment is tax free.
When should I claim Bereavement Support Payment?
Claiming the lump sum
You normally have 12 months from the date of the person's death to claim the Bereavement Support Payment lump sum.
Claiming the monthly payments
You must claim the Bereavement Support Payment monthly payments within three months of their death, to qualify for the maximum 18-month period.
Making a late claim
You can claim up to 21 months after the date of death, but you will receive less money.
You may be able to claim after 21 months have passed:
- If you are a bereaved spouse or civil partner, go to If your spouse or civil partner died more than 21 months ago.
- If you are a bereaved cohabiting partner with dependent children, go to If you lived with your partner and dependent children.
How do I claim Bereavement Support Payment?
1. Check you're eligible for Bereavement Support Payment.
2. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales:
- Apply online: You can apply online at GOV.UK (this is a trial service and may not always be available).
- Apply by phone: call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012, Welsh language: 0800 731 0453; textphone: 0800 731 0464, Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456; Relay UK 18001 then 0800 151 2012; or visit GOV.UK to access the British Sign Language video relay service.
- Apply by post: Download the form from GOV.UK , or contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post. Visit GOV.UK to find your local Jobcentre Plus office.
If you live in Northern Ireland:
- Apply by phone: call the Bereavement Service on 0800 085 2463, or visit nidirect to access the British or Irish Sign Language video relay services.
- Apply by post: Visit nidirect to download the form.
- If you're transgender, you can also make a claim by emailing: Knockbreda.makethecall.scr@dfcni.gov.uk
The address to send the completed form to, is on the form.
Does Bereavement Support Payment affect other benefits?
Bereavement Support Payment will not affect your benefits for a year after your first payment. After a year, any money you have left from your lump sum payment could affect the amount you get if you receive a means-tested benefit. The monthly payments do not affect any means-tested benefits or tax credits.
You must tell your benefits office (for example, your local Jobcentre Plus) when you start getting Bereavement Support Payment.
Queries about existing Bereavement Support Payment claims
If you have any queries about an existing Bereavement Support Payment claim, you will need to contact the relevant department.
England, Scotland and Wales
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, contact the Bereavement Service helpline:
- Telephone: 0800 151 2012, Welsh language: 0800 731 0453.
- Textphone: 0800 731 0464, Welsh language: 0800 731 0456.
- Relay UK 18001 then 0800 151 2012.
- Visit GOV.UK to access the British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service.
Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Bereavement Service:
- Call 0800 085 2463.
- Visit nidirect to access the British or Irish Sign Language video relay services.
- If you're transgender you can also email: Knockbreda.makethecall.scr@dfcni.gov.uk
Support when someone dies
We have more practical information and emotional support for people who have been bereaved. Or you can call our Support Line for practical information and emotional support on 0800 090 2309.
Read our information about getting support when someone dies.
Where can I get more help?
The benefits system can be complicated, so it's important you have the right information and advice. Here are some organisations that can provide further support:
- The Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 provides general information about benefits and finances.
- Citizens Advice has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Turn2us has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and provides people with financial support and information on benefits and grants.
- Advice NI is the independent advice network for Northern Ireland and provides expert advice on benefits and other welfare rights matters through its Freephone helpline. You can find contact details of local advice services in your area.
- Macmillan Cancer Support has welfare rights advisers you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by cancer.
Here at Marie Curie, we cannot provide information about your specific benefit claim. For all queries about your claim, you'll need to contact the relevant government department.
See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for benefits advice and information.
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
