How much is Bereavement Support Payment?
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In short: Higher rate: up to £3,500 lump sum plus up to £350 a month for 18 months. Standard rate: up to £2,500 lump sum plus up to £100 a month for 18 months. Claim within three months of death for the full amounts.
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Eligible cohabiting survivors receive the higher rate. Married or civil-partner survivors receive the higher rate if the Child Benefit or pregnancy conditions apply; otherwise the lower rate applies.
Usually claim within 3 months for the one-off payment and all 18 monthly payments. Between 3 and 12 months, the one-off payment can still be paid but there are fewer monthly payments; after 12 months the one-off payment is normally lost. Claims normally close after 21 months, with limited exceptions such as a recently confirmed cause of death.
Payments do not affect other benefits for one year after the first payment. Money left from the first payment after a year can affect a later benefit claim or renewal. Tell your benefits office when payments start.
Primary source: www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/what-youll-get
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