How to Apply for Bereavement Support Payment

Losing a husband, wife or civil partner is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. During this time, worrying about finances can make an already stressful situation even harder.

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a Government benefit designed to provide financial help after the death of a spouse or civil partner. Although it does not replace a person’s income, it can provide valuable support while you adjust to a significant change in your circumstances.

This guide explains exactly how to apply for Bereavement Support Payment, who qualifies, how much you may receive, what documents you need and the common mistakes that could delay your claim.

Quick Answer

How do you apply for Bereavement Support Payment?

You can apply for Bereavement Support Payment online, by telephone or by post through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). To qualify, your husband, wife or civil partner must usually have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions before they died, and your claim should normally be made within three months of their death to receive the maximum entitlement. You’ll need documents such as the death certificate, National Insurance numbers and your bank account details.

What Is Bereavement Support Payment?

What is Bereavement Support Payment?

Bereavement Support Payment is a tax free benefit available to eligible people whose spouse or civil partner has died.

It replaced the older Bereavement Allowance, Bereavement Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance for most new claims.

The payment is intended to help with the additional financial pressures that often arise following a bereavement, including funeral expenses, household bills and reduced household income.

Unlike many benefits, Bereavement Support Payment is not means tested. This means your income and savings do not normally affect your entitlement.

Key features include:

• Tax free payments
• Paid in addition to most earnings
• Not affected by savings
• Usually paid as one lump sum followed by monthly instalments
• Available across England, Scotland and Wales under UK Government rules

Who Can Claim Bereavement Support Payment?

Who qualifies for Bereavement Support Payment?

You may qualify if all of the following apply.

You were:

• Married to the person who died, or
• In a registered civil partnership.

Your partner must usually have:

• Paid National Insurance contributions for a sufficient period, or
• Died because of a work related accident or disease.

You must also have been:

• Under State Pension age when your partner died.
• Living in the UK or another country where the rules allow payment.

People who were simply living together but were not married or in a civil partnership are generally not eligible for Bereavement Support Payment.

Eligibility Requirements

What are the eligibility rules?

The main eligibility conditions are shown below.

If your circumstances are unusual, such as living abroad or your partner working overseas, different rules may apply.

Income Rules

Does income affect Bereavement Support Payment?

No.

Bereavement Support Payment is not means tested.

This means your:

• Salary
• Pension income
• Self employment income
• Rental income
• Investment income

do not usually reduce your payment.

However, receiving Bereavement Support Payment could affect entitlement to some income related benefits depending on your overall circumstances.

Savings Rules

Do savings affect Bereavement Support Payment?

No.

Unlike Universal Credit and some other means tested benefits, there is no savings limit for Bereavement Support Payment.

Whether you have:

• £500
• £10,000
• £50,000
• £250,000

your savings alone will not prevent you qualifying.

How Much Could You Receive?

How much is Bereavement Support Payment?

The amount depends mainly on whether you were receiving Child Benefit for a child or were pregnant when your partner died.

There are two payment rates.

The Government reviews benefit rates periodically, so always check the latest payment amounts before applying.

Payments are:

• Tax free
• Usually ignored for income tax purposes
• Normally paid directly into your bank account

How To Apply

How do you apply for Bereavement Support Payment?

There are three ways to apply.

Apply Online

The quickest option is the online application.

You will complete an electronic form providing details about:

• Yourself
• Your late spouse or civil partner
• Your National Insurance number
• Bank account details
• Date of death

Apply By Telephone

If you cannot apply online, you can telephone the Bereavement Service.

An adviser can:

• Complete the claim with you
• Explain the process
• Answer questions
• Arrange additional support if required

Apply By Post

Paper claim forms remain available for those who cannot use online services.

Complete the form carefully and include any supporting evidence requested.

When Should You Apply?

How quickly should you make a claim?

You should normally apply within three months of your partner’s death.

Applying within this period usually ensures you receive the maximum amount available.

Claims made later may still be accepted in certain circumstances, but you could receive fewer monthly payments.

What Documents Will You Need?

Which documents should you prepare?

Having the correct paperwork ready can speed up your claim.

You may need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your partner’s National Insurance number
• Death certificate
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate if requested
• Bank or building society details
• Proof of identity if requested

Some applications can be processed using information already held by Government departments.

What Happens After You Apply?

How long does a Bereavement Support Payment claim take?

After your application is submitted, the DWP will assess your claim.

They may:

• Verify National Insurance records
• Request further information
• Contact you if clarification is needed

Once approved, your payment is normally made directly into your bank account.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

What mistakes delay Bereavement Support Payment claims?

Many delays occur because important information is missing.

Avoid these common mistakes.

Waiting too long

Claim as soon as you reasonably can.

Using incorrect National Insurance numbers

Double check all personal information before submitting.

Forgetting supporting evidence

Provide requested documents promptly.

Assuming you are not eligible

Many people wrongly believe savings or earnings prevent a claim.

Bereavement Support Payment is not means tested.

Not reporting changes

Inform the DWP if your circumstances change during your claim.

Examples And Real Life Scenarios

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

What Happens If Your Circumstances Change?

Do you need to report changes?

Yes.

You should inform the DWP if:

• Your bank account changes
• You move home
• You move overseas
• You discover information that affects your claim

Keeping your details up to date helps prevent payment delays.

Related Benefits And Support Available

What other financial help may be available?

Bereavement Support Payment may be only one part of the financial support available.

Depending on your circumstances, you could also qualify for:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Child Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Funeral Expenses Payment
• Housing Benefit in limited situations
• Discretionary Housing Payments
• Local welfare assistance schemes
• Social Fund budgeting support where applicable
• Charitable grants for bereaved families

Many charities also provide practical and emotional support during bereavement.

Information Reviewed Against Current UK Government Guidance And Official Sources

This guide has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance relating to Bereavement Support Payment.

Information includes:

• Eligibility requirements
• National Insurance contribution rules
• Application methods
• Payment structure
• Claim deadlines

Because benefit legislation can change, applicants should always check the latest Government guidance before submitting a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Bereavement Support Payment if we lived together but were not married?

Generally, no. The benefit is normally only available to people who were legally married or in a civil partnership.

Can I receive Bereavement Support Payment while working?

Yes. Employment income does not normally affect your entitlement.

Is Bereavement Support Payment taxable?

No. It is normally tax free.

Does receiving an inheritance affect Bereavement Support Payment?

No. An inheritance does not usually affect entitlement because the benefit is not means tested.

Can I apply after three months?

Yes, although applying later could reduce the total amount you receive.

How is the money paid?

Payments are normally made directly into your bank account.

Do I need a solicitor to apply?

No. Most people complete the application themselves.

Can I receive Bereavement Support Payment if my partner died overseas?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on several factors including National Insurance contributions and residency rules.

Can Bereavement Support Payment affect Universal Credit?

It may affect other benefits in some situations, so you should report all benefits you receive when making related claims.

Can I appeal if my application is refused?

Yes. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal.

Useful Government Resources

Useful official resources include information about:

Conclusion

Bereavement Support Payment can provide valuable financial assistance during one of life’s most difficult periods. Although it cannot remove the emotional impact of losing a spouse or civil partner, it can help reduce immediate financial pressures while you adjust to your new circumstances.

The key to receiving the maximum support is to apply promptly, ensure all information is accurate and provide any requested documents as quickly as possible. Remember that your income and savings do not usually affect eligibility, making this benefit available to many people who might otherwise assume they do not qualify.

If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, it is usually worth making an enquiry or submitting a claim, as the Department for Work and Pensions will assess your circumstances based on the official rules in force at the time of your application.

Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.