Losing a partner is devastating emotionally and it can also be really difficult financially. You might be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment to help you*.
*Information correct at time of publishing
What has the Bereavement Support Payment replaced?
This payment has replaced the following:
- Widowed Parent’s allowance
- Bereavement allowance – Widow’s Pension
- Bereavement payment
Who is eligible?
When your partner died, you must have been:
- Under the state pension age
- Living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
- Married to your partner, in a civil partnership, or living with them as if you were married.
Your partner must have either:
- Paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year (when you apply the DWP will check to see if your partner paid this).
- Died because of an accident at work, or disease caused by their work.
If you and your partner weren’t married or in a civil partnership, you can only claim Bereavement Support payment if you look after a child who lived with you and your partner, and you receive Child Benefit for this child.
If your partner died before 6th April 2017, you may be able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.
How much can you get?
If you don’t have any children, you can get a lump sum of £2,500* and thereafter monthly instalments of £100* for up to 18 months.
If you have children or you’re pregnant, you can get a lump sum payment of £3,500* and monthly instalments of £350* for up to 18 months.
If you receive any other benefits, these will not be affected by these payments and the payments will not be taxed as income.
If you reach State Pension age while receiving bereavement support your payments will stop and you can claim State Pension instead.
* Figures correct at time of publishing
When should you apply?
You should apply within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount of money. After 3 months the DWP will count your application as ‘late’ and each month the application was late will be deducted. To get the lump sum, your application must reach the DWP within 12 months of your partner’s death.
If your Spouse or Civil Partner died more than 21 months ago, you may still be able to claim, if your partner’s cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after their death.
How can you claim?
You can apply for Bereavement Support Payment online, by telephone or by post.
What will you need?
- Your National Insurance number;
- Your bank or building society account details.
- The date your partner died.
- Your partner’s National Insurance number
To apply by telephone Monday to Friday 8am-6pm on the Bereavement Service helpline:
Telephone: 0800 151 2012
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 151 2012
British Sign Language: video relay service
To apply by post please download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1) or contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post.
How can we help?
If your partner has died due to an accident at work or a disease caused by work then we may be able to help you fight for compensation. Contact us today by calling 01244 312306 or through our Contact Us page and we will be in touch.
