Bereavement support
You may be eligible for this payment if your husband, wife or civil partner died in the last 21 months.
They must have paid National Insurance for at least 25 weeks or have died due to a work-related accident or illness.
You must have been under State Pension age and living in the UK or in a country that pays bereavement benefits.
You cannot claim if you are in prison.
Payment amount
You will receive a larger initial payment, followed by monthly payments for up to 18 months.
| Circumstance | First payment | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | £3,500 | £350 |
| Lower rate | £2,500 | £100 |
You must apply within three months of the death to receive the full amount. Applications up to 21 months after the death are accepted, but payments will be lower.
If you receive Child Benefit or are entitled to it, you will qualify for the higher rate.
How to apply
- Download the application form: Bereavement Support Payment (BSP1)
- Call the Bereavement Service helpline: 0800 731 0469
- Textphone: 0800 731 0464