Money & Benefits

Losing someone close often brings unexpected financial pressures alongside the emotional burden. Understanding what financial help is available—and acting quickly to claim it—can provide crucial support during a difficult time. The UK offers several benefits and support payments, though eligibility varies based on your circumstances.

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is the main benefit for widows, widowers, and surviving civil partners under State Pension age. You may receive a lump sum of up to £3,500 plus monthly payments of up to £350 for 18 months. To qualify, your partner must have paid National Insurance contributions, and you must claim within 3 months of the death for the full amount (claims up to 21 months after death receive reduced payments).

Funeral Expenses Payment helps cover funeral costs if you're on a low income and receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit including a disability or severe disability element). It covers necessary costs like burial fees, cremation fees, travel to arrange the funeral, and up to £1,000 for other expenses. The payment is usually taken back from the estate if there's money available.

Widowed Parent's Allowance was replaced by BSP for deaths after April 2017, but if your partner died before that date and you have children, you may still be receiving it. Check your entitlement if your circumstances have changed.

Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance: If you're now caring for a child whose parents have died, you may be entitled to Guardian's Allowance (£20.40/week in 2024/25) in addition to Child Benefit.

Tax considerations: You may be entitled to Marriage Allowance transfer if your partner paid tax, and there may be tax refunds due if the person who died overpaid income tax. The estate may also owe inheritance tax, though most estates fall below the threshold (£325,000, or up to £500,000 if the home passes to direct descendants).

Pension benefits: Contact any pension providers promptly. Workplace and private pensions often include death benefits—a lump sum, survivor's pension, or both. State Pension may also have benefits: if you're over State Pension age and your partner was receiving State Pension, you might inherit some of their additional State Pension.

Help with debts: You are not responsible for your partner's personal debts unless you were a joint account holder or guarantor. Debts are paid from the estate. If the estate cannot cover all debts, they are written off—creditors cannot pursue family members for the difference.