Bereavement Support Payment
Bereavement Support Payment provides financial help to surviving spouses and civil partners when their partner dies. It replaced several older bereavement benefits and provides both a lump sum and ongoing monthly payments.
- Available to surviving spouses and civil partners
- Lump sum: £3,500 (with children) or £2,500 (without children)
- Monthly payments: £350 (with children) or £100 (without children)
- Monthly payments continue for 18 months
- Must claim within 3 months for full backdating
- Not means-tested - doesn't depend on income or savings
Who can claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You can claim if you:
- Were married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased
- Are under State Pension age when your partner died
- Your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks
- You haven't remarried or formed a new civil partnership
Payment Amounts (2024/25)
If you have dependent children:
- Lump sum: £3,500
- Monthly payments: £350 for 18 months
- Total over 18 months: £9,800
If you don't have dependent children:
- Lump sum: £2,500
- Monthly payments: £100 for 18 months
- Total over 18 months: £4,300
Bereavement Support Checklist
Claiming Your Benefit
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria
- Make your claim within 3 months of death for full backdating
- Gather required documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Complete claim form BB1 online or by phone
Support when you need it most
Bereavement Support Payment is designed to provide financial stability during the difficult first months after losing your partner. The payments are not taxable and don't affect other benefits.
Don't delay claiming - the sooner you apply, the sooner you'll receive the support you're entitled to.
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