What is Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a tax-free benefit for people whose husband, wife, or civil partner has died. It provides financial support in the form of a lump sum payment followed by up to 18 monthly instalments. BSP replaced the older Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment, and Widowed Parent's Allowance for deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2017. There are two rates. The higher rate applies if you are pregnant or entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child — it provides a lump sum of up to £3,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £350 each (up to £6,300 in monthly payments, for a total of up to £9,800). The standard rate applies if you are not in receipt of Child Benefit and not pregnant — it provides a lump sum of up to £2,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £100 each (up to £1,800 in monthly payments, for a total of up to £4,300). Importantly, BSP does not affect your entitlement to most other benefits — it is not counted as income for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or most means-tested benefits. It is also free of income tax and National Insurance. This means you keep the full amount alongside any other benefits you receive.
Who may be eligible and how to claim
You may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner died and they paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any one tax year since 6 April 1975, or their death was caused by an industrial accident or disease. The eligibility criteria require being under State Pension age at the time of your partner's death and not have been in a new relationship at the time you claim. To claim, complete form BSP1 — available from GOV.UK or by calling the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 731 0469 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). You can also start your claim online. You will need the death certificate (or death certificate number if you have already registered the death), your partner's National Insurance number, your own National Insurance number, and your bank account details. It is important to claim within 21 months of your partner's death. If you claim within the first 3 months, you receive the full lump sum and all 18 monthly payments. If you claim between 3 and 21 months after the death, you still receive the lump sum, but the number of monthly payments is reduced — you receive fewer months depending on how long after the death you claim. After 21 months, you can no longer claim BSP.
What else may be available
Losing a partner is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face, and there is support available beyond Bereavement Support Payment. If your partner was receiving certain benefits, you may be able to inherit some of their State Pension or Pension Credit entitlement. Contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898 for guidance on how your partner's death may affect your pension. If you are on a low income, you may qualify for the Funeral Expenses Payment — a one-off payment that can help cover the cost of a simple funeral. To be eligible, you typically need to be receiving a qualifying benefit (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) and be the person responsible for arranging the funeral. The payment covers certain necessary costs and can be a significant help during a difficult time. Other sources of support include: your local council may offer a Council Tax discount or exemption if you are now living alone; your mortgage lender or landlord may offer a temporary payment break in certain circumstances; the Money and Pensions Service (MoneyHelper) provides free guidance on dealing with the financial impact of bereavement; and organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support (0808 808 1677) offer free emotional support and counselling. Many employers also offer compassionate leave and employee assistance programmes that can provide counselling and practical support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bereavement Support Payment affect my other benefits?
Can I claim if my partner and I were not married?
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