How to claim Bereavement Support Payment
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In short. Check the relationship, Child Benefit or pregnancy conditions, age and contribution rules, then apply promptly. Usually claim within 3 months to receive the full one-off and monthly entitlement.
You may qualify if you were under State Pension age when your partner died and were married, civil partners, or living together as if married. Cohabiting survivors also need the Child Benefit or pregnancy conditions. Residence and the deceased partner’s National Insurance or work-related-death conditions apply.
Content updated:
What you'll need
- Your National Insurance number
- Bank or building society account details
- Date of birth and date of death of your partner
- Their National Insurance number (if known)
The steps
- 01
Check eligibility
You may qualify if you were under State Pension age when your partner died and were married, civil partners, or living together as if married. Cohabiting survivors also need the Child Benefit or pregnancy conditions. Residence and the deceased partner’s National Insurance or work-related-death conditions apply. For a cohabiting claim, you must normally have been receiving or confirmed as entitled to Child Benefit for a child living with you, or have been pregnant when your partner died. If your partner held the Child Benefit entitlement instead, claim Child Benefit in your name before applying. Check the separate rules for a backdated claim.
- 02
Check the claim deadline
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.
- 03
Gather your information
Have your National Insurance number, bank details, the date your partner died and their National Insurance number. The Bereavement Service may ask for evidence of your circumstances.
- 04
Apply through the official service
Apply online, by telephone on 0800 151 2012, or by post using the current BSP1 form. Northern Ireland has different telephone and postal arrangements.
- 05
Check your award and notify your benefits office
Eligible cohabiting survivors receive the higher rate. Married/civil-partner survivors receive higher or lower rates according to Child Benefit or pregnancy conditions. Check the award and number of monthly payments, and tell your benefits office when BSP starts.
Common pitfalls
- Do not assume unmarried partners are excluded; check the specific cohabitation and Child Benefit/pregnancy rules.
- Do not assume all old cohabiting claims can still be backdated; ask the Bereavement Service about your dates.
- Claim within 3 months for full entitlement where possible; most claims must be made within 21 months.
FAQ
- Can cohabiting partners claim?
- For a cohabiting claim, you must normally have been receiving or confirmed as entitled to Child Benefit for a child living with you, or have been pregnant when your partner died. If your partner held the Child Benefit entitlement instead, claim Child Benefit in your name before applying. Check the separate rules for a backdated claim.
- Does BSP affect Universal Credit?
- BSP does not affect other benefits for one year after the first payment. Money left from the initial payment after a year can affect later claims or renewals. Tell your benefits office when BSP starts.
- What happens if I claim after three months?
- 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.