# How to claim Bereavement Support Payment

> How-to · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

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## Quick answer

Claim within 3 months of the death to get the maximum payment. There are two rates (Higher if you receive Child Benefit; Standard otherwise). Apply at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment.

Bereavement Support Payment replaced the older Bereavement Payment, Widowed Parent's Allowance and Bereavement Allowance for deaths from 6 April 2017. From 9 February 2023 it has also been available to surviving cohabiting partners with children, backdated.

## Steps

### 1. Check eligibility

Your spouse, civil partner or (from Feb 2023) cohabiting partner with children must have paid 25+ weeks of Class 1 or Class 2 NI in any one tax year, or died from an industrial accident/disease. You must be under State Pension age and live in the UK or an eligible country.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

### 2. Apply within 3 months for the full amount

You can apply up to 21 months later but will only get part of the lump sum after 3 months. Apply online, by phone (0800 151 2012) or by paper (form BSP1).

### 3. Choose the rate that applies

Higher rate: lump sum £3,500 + £350/month for 18 months — if you're getting Child Benefit (or were eligible when your partner died). Standard rate: lump sum £2,500 + £100/month for 18 months — for everyone else. (2025/26 amounts; check live figures.)

### 4. Provide supporting information

DWP may ask for the original death certificate and proof of relationship. Cohabiting claims (since Feb 2023) need evidence of the relationship and that you have children.

### 5. Receive lump sum then monthly payments

Paid into your bank account. BSP doesn't affect other benefits, isn't taxed, and isn't counted as income for the first 12 months for means-tested benefits.

## Common pitfalls

- Apply within 3 months of the death for the full entitlement
- Cohabiting partners with children can claim for deaths back to 6 April 2017, but the application window is now tight
- Different rules in Scotland for some related funeral support — see Funeral Support Payment via mygov.scot

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Bereavement Support Payment affect Universal Credit?

BSP is disregarded for Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits for 12 months from the first payment.

### Can cohabiting partners now claim?

Yes — since 9 February 2023 surviving cohabiting partners with children qualify, including backdated claims for deaths from 6 April 2017.

### Is BSP taxable?

No. It is paid tax-free and doesn't count as taxable income.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Bereavement Support Payment](https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment)
- [GOV.UK — Bereavement benefits for cohabitees (Feb 2023 change)](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bereavement-benefits-extended-to-cohabiting-partners-with-children)

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