# What is Bereavement Support Payment?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

A one-off DWP payment for widows, widowers and surviving civil partners under State Pension age whose spouse paid sufficient National Insurance. You must claim within three months of death for the full amount.

Replaced the older Bereavement Allowance system. The payment has an initial lump sum plus up to 18 monthly instalments if you have children — lower rate if you do not.

You cannot claim if you were cohabiting but unmarried. Claim on gov.uk after the death is registered.

Bereavement is a difficult time — also check whether life insurance, workplace death-in-service or the deceased's pension scheme pays survivor benefits.

## Related

- [Bereavement hub](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bereavement/)
- [State Pension explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/state-pension-explained/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.