Who is entitled to a Bereavement Support Payment?

You are entitled to a Bereavement Support Payment if:

• your partner died in the last 21 months
• you are under pension age when your partner died
• you meet the residence rules when your partner died
• your partner met the contribution condition

The Bereavement Support Payment replaced previous bereavement benefits (Widowed Parent's Allowance and Bereavement Allowance) from 6 April 2017. If you were already receiving one of the bereavement benefits it replaced you will continue to receive your current benefit for the natural lifetime of the award, you will not be transferred over to the Bereavement Support Payment.

If your husband, wife or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.

Changes for cohabiting parents in 2023

Due to a legal challenge that came into effect on 9 February 2023 cohabiting parents with dependent children who need support following the death of their partner can now apply for bereavement benefits.

The rule change means that, from 30 August 2018, 'partner' can include cohabiting couples who were not in a legal union when one of the couple dies. Before this date 'partner' meant a husband, wife or civil partner.

A bereaved cohabiting parent whose partner died before 9 February 2023 can backdate their claim until 8 February 2024. The bereavement benefit and amount they are entitled to will depend on when they lost their partner.

What is the contribution condition for a Bereavement Support Payment?

The contribution condition is that for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975 your partner paid National Insurance contributions.

There are situations in which the contribution condition can be considered to be met even if it isn't, such as when the death was the result of an industrial injury. If you are not sure if the contribution condition is met please seek advice from the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0345 608 8601.

How much will I receive in Bereavement Support Payment?

Recipients with children can receive an initial larger payment of £3,500 and up to 18 subsequent monthly payments of £350. This includes people who are pregnant when their partner dies.

Recipients without children can receive an initial payment of £2,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £100.

When can I claim a Bereavement Support Payment?

The claim period starts on the date your partner died. If you claim within three months of that date your claim will be treated as having started on the date of death and, as long as you remain under state pension age, you will receive a full 18 months of payments including the initial larger payment.

If you don't claim within three months of the death Bereavement Support Payment will not be payable for the full 18 months. Your claim will be considered to have started three months before the date you make your claim and you will only receive payments for the remainder of the claim period. 

The claim period finishes 21 months from the day after the date your partner died. If you do not claim within three months of the claim period finishing you will not be entitled to a Bereavement Support Payment.

How do I claim Bereavement Support Payment

You can claim over the phone or by completing a claim form.

Call the Bereavement Service Helpline on 0800 151 2012 Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm, or text phone 0800 731 0464.

Get a Bereavement Support Payment claim form on the GOV.UK website.