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How to claim Bereavement Support Payment

In short. Claim within 3 months of the death to get the maximum payment. There are two rates (Higher if you receive Child Benefit; Standard otherwise). Apply at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment.

Bereavement Support Payment replaced the older Bereavement Payment, Widowed Parent's Allowance and Bereavement Allowance for deaths from 6 April 2017. From 9 February 2023 it has also been available to surviving cohabiting partners with children, backdated.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 30 min·Cost: Free

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

  1. 01

    Check eligibility

    Your spouse, civil partner or (from Feb 2023) cohabiting partner with children must have paid 25+ weeks of Class 1 or Class 2 NI in any one tax year, or died from an industrial accident/disease. You must be under State Pension age and live in the UK or an eligible country.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Apply within 3 months for the full amount

    You can apply up to 21 months later but will only get part of the lump sum after 3 months. Apply online, by phone (0800 151 2012) or by paper (form BSP1).

  3. 03

    Choose the rate that applies

    Higher rate: lump sum £3,500 + £350/month for 18 months — if you're getting Child Benefit (or were eligible when your partner died). Standard rate: lump sum £2,500 + £100/month for 18 months — for everyone else. (2025/26 amounts; check live figures.)

  4. 04

    Provide supporting information

    DWP may ask for the original death certificate and proof of relationship. Cohabiting claims (since Feb 2023) need evidence of the relationship and that you have children.

  5. 05

    Receive lump sum then monthly payments

    Paid into your bank account. BSP doesn't affect other benefits, isn't taxed, and isn't counted as income for the first 12 months for means-tested benefits.

Common pitfalls

  • Apply within 3 months of the death for the full entitlement
  • Cohabiting partners with children can claim for deaths back to 6 April 2017, but the application window is now tight
  • Different rules in Scotland for some related funeral support — see Funeral Support Payment via mygov.scot

FAQ

Does Bereavement Support Payment affect Universal Credit?
BSP is disregarded for Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits for 12 months from the first payment.
Can cohabiting partners now claim?
Yes — since 9 February 2023 surviving cohabiting partners with children qualify, including backdated claims for deaths from 6 April 2017.
Is BSP taxable?
No. It is paid tax-free and doesn't count as taxable income.
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