Bereavement Support Payment
What is Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment provides a lump sum (£3,500 with children, £2,500 without) plus 18 monthly payments (£350 or £100). For surviving spouses/civil partners under State Pension age whose partner paid 25+ weeks National Insurance. Not means-tested. Apply within 3 months for full backdating, up to 21 months after death.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Bereavement Support Payment provides financial help to surviving spouses and civil partners when their partner dies. It replaced several older bereavement benefits (Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment, and Widowed Parent's Allowance) in April 2017 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?
According to GOV.UK eligibility criteria, 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 (2026/27)
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. According to MoneyHelper, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Bereavement Support Payment in the UK?
Bereavement Support Payment provides a lump sum of £3,500 (with dependent children) or £2,500 (without children), plus monthly payments of £350 (with children) or £100 (without children) for 18 months. The total payment over 18 months is £9,800 with dependent children or £4,300 without children.
Who is eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?
You're eligible 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, and you haven't remarried or formed a new civil partnership. Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested.
How long do I have to claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You should claim within 3 months of your partner's death to receive full backdated payments. You can still claim up to 21 months after death, but you'll only receive payments from the date you claim if you apply after the 3-month deadline.
Is Bereavement Support Payment taxable?
No, Bereavement Support Payment is not taxable and does not affect other benefits you may be receiving. The payments are designed to provide financial stability during the difficult first 18 months after losing your partner without reducing your other income.
Can unmarried partners claim Bereavement Support Payment?
No, Bereavement Support Payment is only available to surviving spouses and civil partners. Unmarried partners, including those in long-term cohabiting relationships, are not eligible for this benefit regardless of how long the relationship lasted or whether there are children.
How do I claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You can claim by calling the Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, or by downloading and completing form BB1. You'll need the death certificate, your marriage or civil partnership certificate, and your National Insurance number. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
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