Bereavement Support Payment explained
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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.
Last reviewed:
Read the full family & care guide →Quick answer: Bereavement Support Payment →Primary source: www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment
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.
Common 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.