# Bereavement Support Payment explained > Family & care · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/bereavement-support-payment-explained/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/bereavement-support-payment-explained.md ## Quick answer A one-off DWP payment for widows, widowers and surviving civil partners under State Pension age whose spouse paid sufficient National Insurance. Claim within three months of death for the full amount — up to £3,500 plus £350 monthly for 18 months at the higher rate. Bereavement Support Payment replaced the older Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent's Allowance. It is not means-tested but you must meet age, relationship and NI contribution rules. This guide explains rates, deadlines and how it fits with other bereavement help. ## Key facts - You must be under State Pension age when your spouse or civil partner dies - Your spouse must have paid sufficient National Insurance — check gov.uk if unsure - Higher rate: up to £3,500 lump sum plus £350 a month for 18 months if you receive Child Benefit - Standard rate: up to £2,500 lump sum plus £100 a month for 18 months otherwise - Claim within three months of death for the full payment; late claims may get a reduced amount ## Who qualifies You must have been married or in a civil partnership when your partner died. Cohabiting partners who were not married or in a civil partnership cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment. You must be under State Pension age at the date of death. If you reach State Pension age during the 18-month payment period, monthly payments stop but you may still receive any lump sum due. Your spouse or civil partner must have paid enough National Insurance contributions — broadly at least 25 weeks in any one tax year, or have died from an industrial disease or accident. DWP checks this automatically when you claim. ## Higher vs Standard rate Higher rate applies if you are entitled to Child Benefit for a child living with you, or were pregnant when your partner died. You receive up to £3,500 as a first payment plus up to £350 each month for 18 months. Standard rate applies if you do not meet the Child Benefit condition. The first payment is up to £2,500 plus up to £100 monthly for 18 months. Payments are tax-free and do not count as income for Universal Credit or Pension Credit — but tell DWP about other bereavement income such as workplace death-in-service benefits. ## How to claim and what else to check Claim online at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment, by phone on 0800 151 2012, or by post. You need your partner's death certificate, your National Insurance number and bank details. The three-month deadline from the date of death matters for the full amount. Claims after three months may still succeed but the lump sum is reduced. Also check: Tell Us Once service to notify government departments; workplace death-in-service and life insurance; whether you can inherit your partner's State Pension or protected payment; and our bereavement persona guide for wider financial steps. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I claim if we were separated? Usually no if you were divorced or your civil partnership was dissolved. Exceptions exist if you were separated but still entitled to Child Benefit for a child you shared — check DWP guidance. ### Does Bereavement Support Payment affect other benefits? It is disregarded as income for means-tested benefits but you must still report your partner's death to DWP so other awards are recalculated. ### What if my partner had not paid enough NI? You may not qualify for Bereavement Support Payment. You might still get a bereavement-linked State Pension increase depending on your partner's record — check gov.uk. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment ## Related - [Claim Bereavement Support Payment](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/claim-bereavement-support-payment/) - [After a bereavement guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/for/after-a-bereavement/) - [Wills and intestacy](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/wills-and-intestacy/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.