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Losing a partner is devastating. Financial worries shouldn’t add to the pain. The Bereavement Support Payment is designed to help ease that burden.
This is a government benefit to help you cope with the financial impact after your partner’s death. It provides a lump sum and monthly payments.
This guide explains who can claim it, how much you could get, and exactly how to apply. Let’s walk through the process together.
What is the Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a benefit you may be able to claim if your husband, wife, or civil partner has died.
It’s not a means-tested benefit. This means your income or whether you’re in work doesn’t affect your eligibility. It’s based on your late partner’s National Insurance contributions.
The aim is to provide financial support during the incredibly difficult period immediately following a partner’s death.
Important: This benefit has replaced older ones like Widowed Parent’s Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, and Bereavement Payment.
Who is eligible for this support?
To get the Bereavement Support Payment, you must meet certain criteria when your partner died. The rules can seem complex, but they are specific.
You must have been under the State Pension age when they died. You also need to have been living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits.
Your partner must have either paid a certain amount of National Insurance contributions or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
Key eligibility points include:
- Your relationship: You were married or in a civil partnership. From February 2023, cohabiting partners with dependent children may also be eligible.
- Your age: You were under the State Pension age when your partner died.
- Your late partner’s NI: They paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 1975.
- Location: You were living in the UK at the time of the death.
The rules for cohabiting partners are a welcome change, helping more families get the support they need. Check the official GOV.UK site for the full details.
How much can you receive?
The amount of Bereavement Support Payment you receive depends on your circumstances. There are two different rates.
The rate is determined by whether you were entitled to Child Benefit at the time of your partner’s death, or if you were pregnant.
| Rate Type | Initial Lump Sum | Monthly Payments (up to 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Rate (with children) | £3,500 | £350 |
| Standard Rate (without children) | £2,500 | £100 |
The higher rate is for those who were pregnant or had a child living with them. If you did not have children, you would receive the standard rate.
These payments are designed to give you a bit of breathing room. They are also not taxed, which helps a great deal.
Understanding the payment structure
The payment is not just a single amount. It is structured to provide support over a period of time, helping you adjust financially.
You receive an initial, larger lump-sum payment first. This is followed by up to 18 smaller monthly payments.
Think of the first payment as immediate help for urgent costs. The monthly instalments are there to support you over the following year and a half.
The money is paid directly into your bank or building society account, so make sure you have these details ready when you apply.
How to apply for Bereavement Support Payment
You can apply for the benefit in a few different ways. Choose the method that is most comfortable and convenient for you.
- Apply by phone: This is often the quickest way. Call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012.
- Apply by post: You can download the BSP1 application form from the GOV.UK website, fill it in, and post it.
- Apply online: In some cases, you may be able to apply online, but the phone method is generally recommended for direct support.
You will need some key information to complete your application. It’s a good idea to gather this before you start.
Have your National Insurance number, your late partner’s NI number, and the date they died to hand. You will also need your bank account details.
Important deadlines you cannot miss
Timing is critical when applying for Bereavement Support Payment. To get the full amount, you must apply within a specific timeframe.
You should apply within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount, including the lump-sum payment.
Crucial Alert: If you claim after 3 months, you will not get the full first payment. You could lose a significant amount of support.
You can still make a claim up to 21 months after your partner’s death. However, if you claim after 12 months, you will receive fewer monthly payments.
The best advice is to act as soon as you feel able. Don’t let the deadline add extra stress to an already difficult time.
How BSP affects your other benefits
A common worry is how a new payment might impact other benefits you rely on. The good news is that BSP is treated differently.
Bereavement Support Payment will not affect your other benefits for a full year after your first payment. It is disregarded as income.
This means for the first 52 weeks, it won’t impact any means-tested benefits you receive, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
After a year, any money you have left from your lump-sum payment may be counted as savings, which could then affect your other benefits.
It’s wise to plan ahead for this. If you have questions, organisations like Citizens Advice can offer guidance tailored to your situation.
Where to find more help and advice
Dealing with finances after a bereavement is tough. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are many places to turn for support.
The official source for information is always the GOV.UK website. It has the most up-to-date details on eligibility and application forms.
For emotional and practical support, charities can be a lifeline. They understand what you’re going through.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: Offers free support and advice for bereaved people across the UK.
- Citizens Advice: Provides practical, impartial advice on benefits, debt, and other issues you might be facing.
- Way Widowed and Young: A charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who was widowed at a young age.
Reaching out to these organisations can make a huge difference, providing both clarity on your finances and a community that understands.
Take one step at a time. Start by visiting the GOV.UK website or calling the helpline to begin your application when you’re ready.
