When a partner or spouse dies, you may be entitled to financial support from the DWP. The main bereavement benefit in the UK is Bereavement Support Payment - a tax-free payment available to eligible surviving spouses, civil partners, and cohabiting parents. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive in 2026, how to make a claim, and what other financial support is available after a bereavement.
Quick Summary
- Main benefit: Bereavement Support Payment (BSP)
- Higher rate (with children): £3,500 lump sum + £350 per month for 18 months
- Lower rate (without children): £2,500 lump sum + £100 per month for 18 months
- Tax free: Yes - BSP is completely tax free
- Means tested: No - income and savings do not affect eligibility
- Claim deadline: Within 3 months for full amount - within 21 months maximum
- DWP helpline: 0800 731 0464
What Is Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is the main bereavement benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions. It was introduced on 6 April 2017 to replace three older benefits:
- Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow's Pension)
- Bereavement Payment
- Widowed Parent's Allowance (in most cases)
BSP is designed to help with immediate financial pressures following a bereavement. Unlike most DWP benefits, it is not means-tested - your income, savings, and investments do not affect whether you qualify or how much you receive. A higher-rate taxpayer and someone on Universal Credit can both claim the same amount.
It is paid in two parts: a one-off lump sum in the first month, followed by up to 18 monthly payments. Both are completely tax-free and do not need to be declared on a tax return or to HMRC.
Important - Claim As Soon As Possible: BSP only covers the 18 months from the date of death. The later you claim, the fewer monthly payments you receive. Claiming in month four instead of month one could mean you lose several hundred pounds. If you are not ready to claim yet, ask a family member or friend to help you start the process.
Who Is Eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?
To qualify for BSP, all of the following conditions must apply:
Your Relationship to the Person Who Died
You must have been one of the following when your partner died:
- Married to the person who died
- In a civil partnership with the person who died
- Cohabiting with the person who died as if married and pregnant or responsible for a dependent child or children - see 2023 law change below
Your Age
- You must have been under State Pension age when your partner died
- If you were over State Pension age when your partner died you are not eligible for BSP - you may instead be able to claim additional State Pension based on your late partner's National Insurance contributions
Your Partner's National Insurance Record
Your late partner must have either:
- Paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any single tax year since 6 April 1975
- OR died as a result of an accident at work or a disease caused by their work - in which case the NI contribution requirement does not apply
Where You Were Living
- You must have been living in the UK when your partner died
- You may still qualify if you were living in certain countries with which the UK has a social security agreement - contact the International Pension Centre on +44 (0)191 206 9390
Not sure about the National Insurance contributions?
Apply anyway. The DWP will check your late partner's contribution record for you. Do not assume you are ineligible without checking - many people lose out on BSP simply because they assume their partner did not qualify without verifying this.
Cohabiting Partners - 2023 Law Change
Before 9 February 2023, BSP was only available to surviving spouses and civil partners. The law changed significantly following a Supreme Court ruling that this was incompatible with human rights law.
From 9 February 2023: Cohabiting partners (unmarried partners who lived together) can now claim BSP if:
- They were living with their partner as if married when the partner died
- They are pregnant, or responsible for a dependent child
This law also applies retrospectively - if your partner died before 9 February 2023 and you could have claimed Widowed Parent's Allowance (for deaths before April 2017), you can still claim and request backdating of up to 3 months. Contact the DWP Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 731 0464.
Cohabiting partners without children remain ineligible for BSP. The law change only applies where there is a dependent child.
Bereavement Support Payment Rates 2026/27
BSP rates have been frozen since 2017 and were not uprated for 2026/27. The DWP confirmed in early 2026 that rates would remain unchanged for this tax year.
| Rate | Who Gets It | Lump Sum | Monthly Payment (18 months) | Total (if claimed within 3 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | Pregnant or responsible for a child entitled to Child Benefit | £3,500 | £350 | £9,800 |
| Lower rate | Not responsible for a dependent child | £2,500 | £100 | £4,300 |
Payments go directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
Claiming Deadlines - Act Quickly
BSP only covers the 18 months from the date of death. The later you claim, the fewer monthly payments you receive:
| When You Claim | What You Receive |
|---|---|
| Within 3 months of death | Full lump sum + full 18 monthly payments |
| Between 3 and 12 months | Full lump sum + remaining monthly payments only |
| Between 12 and 21 months | Reduced lump sum + remaining monthly payments only |
| After 21 months | Usually no entitlement - limited exceptions apply (e.g. delayed inquest) |
Don't wait for the death certificate: If you do not yet have the death certificate, do not delay your claim. The DWP can often verify the death independently. Submitting the form without the certificate is better than missing the three-month window.
How to Claim Bereavement Support Payment
Method 1: Online
Apply online at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/how-to-claim
- Available 24/7
- Quickest method for most people
- You will need your National Insurance number and bank details
Method 2: Phone
Call the DWP Bereavement Service helpline:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0464
- Textphone: 0800 731 0464
- Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Free to call from landlines and most mobile networks
Method 3: Post
Download form BSP1 from GOV.UK and post to:
Bereavement Service
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2BS
What You Will Need to Claim
- Your National Insurance number
- Your late partner's National Insurance number (if known)
- The date of death
- Your bank or building society account details
- The death certificate (if available - do not delay claiming if you don't have it yet)
- Your marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of dependent children (if claiming higher rate)
BSP and Other Benefits
Universal Credit
BSP monthly payments are disregarded as income in the month they are paid - they do not reduce your Universal Credit award in that month. However:
- If you have any of the lump sum remaining after 12 months and it takes your savings above £6,000, this may affect means-tested benefits including Universal Credit
- The lump sum is ignored for the first 52 weeks
- Monthly payments are not included in the benefit cap calculation
State Pension
If your late partner was over State Pension age when they died, you will not be eligible for BSP. However, you may be able to inherit some of their State Pension entitlement. Contact the DWP or visit gov.uk/state-pension-bereavement for details.
Tax Credits
BSP does not count as income for tax credit purposes. If you receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, receiving BSP will not reduce those payments.
Other Financial Help After Bereavement
Funeral Expenses Payment
If you are receiving a qualifying benefit and need help with funeral costs, you may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the DWP:
- Covers reasonable funeral costs (burial or cremation fees, some travel costs)
- Must be claimed within 6 months of the funeral
- BSP is not one of the qualifying benefits for Funeral Expenses Payment - you must be receiving another qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit
- Any money is recovered from the estate
Apply online at gov.uk/funeral-payments or call 0800 731 0469
Universal Credit
If the loss of your partner's income means you are now on a low income, you may be entitled to Universal Credit (if you are under State Pension age). Apply at gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
Council Tax Reduction
If your partner was living with you, you may now be entitled to the 25% single person discount on your council tax. Contact your local council. Additionally, if your home is empty while the estate is being settled, a Council Tax Class F exemption may apply.
Pension Credit
If you are over State Pension age and on a low income following bereavement, you may be entitled to Pension Credit. Call 0800 99 1234 or apply at gov.uk/pension-credit
Child Benefit
If you are now the sole carer for children and are not already claiming Child Benefit, you may need to update or make a new claim. Call 0300 200 3100 or apply at gov.uk/child-benefit
War Widow's or Widower's Pension
If your partner died as a result of their Armed Forces service, you may be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension on top of BSP. Contact Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218 (free from UK landlines and most mobiles).
If Your Partner Died Before April 2017 - Legacy Benefits
If your partner died before 6 April 2017, different bereavement benefits applied:
| Date of Death | Benefit That Applied | Still Receiving It? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 April 2017 or after | Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) | Yes - current scheme |
| 9 April 2001 - 5 April 2017 (with children) | Widowed Parent's Allowance | Closed to new claims - existing recipients continue |
| 9 April 2001 - 5 April 2017 (aged 45+ without children) | Bereavement Allowance | Closed to new claims - existing recipients continue |
| Before 9 April 2001 | Widow's Pension or Widowed Mother's Allowance | Contact DWP directly |
If you are currently receiving Widowed Parent's Allowance or Bereavement Allowance and believe you were underpaid, or if your circumstances change, contact the DWP on 0800 731 0464.
Tell Us Once Service
When someone dies, Tell Us Once is a free government service that notifies multiple departments in a single step. It can inform:
- DWP (to stop State Pension, Universal Credit, and other benefits the person who died was receiving)
- HMRC
- Local council
- Passport Office
- DVLA
You are usually given access to Tell Us Once when you register the death. It does not automatically start your BSP claim - you still need to claim separately.
If Your Claim Is Refused
If the DWP refuses your BSP claim, or you believe the rate or amount is wrong, you can challenge the decision:
Step 1: Mandatory Reconsideration
- Ask the DWP to look at the decision again
- You must do this within one month of the refusal decision letter
- Put your request in writing and explain why you disagree
- The DWP will issue a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice
Step 2: Appeal to Tribunal
- If the Mandatory Reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal
- This is an independent body - separate from DWP
- You must appeal within one month of the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice
- Apply online at gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision
DWP Bereavement Service - Contact Details
| Service | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bereavement Service helpline | 0800 731 0464 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Welsh language | 0800 731 0453 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Funeral Expenses Payment | 0800 731 0469 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Pension Credit | 0800 99 1234 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Child Benefit | 0300 200 3100 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| Veterans UK (War Widow's Pension) | 0808 1914 218 | Mon-Fri 8am-4pm |
| International Pension Centre | +44 (0)191 206 9390 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim if we were not married?
Since February 2023, cohabiting partners can claim BSP if they were living together as if married and are pregnant or responsible for a dependent child. Cohabiting partners without children remain ineligible for BSP.
Is Bereavement Support Payment taxable?
No. BSP is completely tax-free. Both the lump sum and monthly payments do not count as taxable income. You do not need to declare it to HMRC or include it on a Self Assessment tax return.
Will BSP affect my Universal Credit?
Monthly BSP payments are disregarded as income in the month they are paid, so they do not reduce your Universal Credit award. The lump sum is also disregarded for 52 weeks. After 12 months, any remaining lump sum that takes your savings above £6,000 may affect means-tested benefits.
What if my partner's National Insurance record is incomplete?
Apply anyway. The DWP will check the contribution record themselves. Some people miss out on BSP simply by assuming their partner did not have enough contributions without checking. If your partner died due to a workplace accident or disease, the NI contribution requirement does not apply.
Can I get BSP if my partner was self-employed?
Yes, if they paid sufficient National Insurance contributions (Class 2 NI for the self-employed). The DWP will check their record. Apply and let the DWP verify eligibility.
My partner died abroad - can I still claim?
You may be able to claim if you were living in the UK at the time of the death (or in a country with a UK social security agreement) and your partner met the NI contribution conditions. Contact the International Pension Centre on +44 (0)191 206 9390 for overseas claims.
What happens to my BSP if I remarry or enter a new civil partnership?
BSP payments stop if you remarry, form a new civil partnership, or start living with a new partner. Payments already received do not need to be repaid.
Can I get help with funeral costs?
Potentially. Funeral Expenses Payment is a separate DWP scheme that can help with funeral costs if you are receiving a qualifying benefit (not BSP itself). You have six months from the date of the funeral to claim. Call 0800 731 0469 or apply at gov.uk/funeral-payments.
Where to Get Help and Support
Citizens Advice:
- Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (England) | 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
- Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
- Free advice on benefits, debt, and financial matters after bereavement
MoneyHelper:
- Helpline: 0800 011 3797
- Website: moneyhelper.org.uk
- Free financial guidance including bereavement benefits advice
Cruse Bereavement Support:
- Helpline: 0808 808 1677
- Website: cruse.org.uk
- Free emotional support for people dealing with grief and loss
Samaritans:
- Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free)
- Confidential emotional support at any time
Need Help Claiming?
Contact the DWP Bereavement Service or find your local jobcentre for face-to-face support
Related Guides
- Universal Credit Complete Guide
- Jobcentre Plus Services Guide
- Crisis Loans and Emergency Financial Help
- Find Your Nearest Jobcentre
Disclaimer: JobcentrePlusOffices.co.uk is an independent information website not affiliated with DWP or Jobcentre Plus. Information provided for guidance only. Bereavement benefit rules can change - always verify current eligibility and rates at GOV.UK or by calling the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 731 0464.
