Bereavement Support Payment: who can claim, what it pays and the deadlines
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Bereavement Support Payment is a tax-free benefit for some people whose husband, wife, civil partner or partner has died. This guide explains who can claim, the amounts shown on GOV.UK, and the time limits.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people in the UK whose partner has died and who were under State Pension age at the time. It is not advice for your own situation. It does not cover people who were already getting the older Widowed Parent's Allowance, who stay on that benefit until they stop being eligible.
What it is
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions. GOV.UK says it replaced Widowed Parent's Allowance, Bereavement Allowance and the old Bereavement Payment. It is not means-tested, so your earnings and savings do not affect whether you can get it.
Who can claim
According to GOV.UK, you must have been under State Pension age when your partner died, and living in the UK or in a country that pays bereavement benefits. You must also have been one of the following.
- Married to your partner.
- In a civil partnership with them.
- Living with them as if married. In that case, one of these must also have applied: you were getting Child Benefit for a child living with you, you had been told you were entitled to it, or you were pregnant.
Your partner must have paid Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance in at least one tax year since 6 April 1975, or have died because of a work accident or a work-related disease. If you are unsure whether they paid enough, GOV.UK says you can still claim and the Bereavement Service will check. People in prison cannot claim.
What it pays
There is a first one-off payment, followed by 18 monthly payments. The amount depends on your situation, as shown on GOV.UK on 12 October 2026.
If you reach State Pension age within 18 months of your partner's death, GOV.UK says you may get fewer monthly payments.
Time limits
- Claim within 3 months of the death to get the first payment and all 18 monthly payments.
- Claim between 3 and 12 months after the death and you can get the first payment but only some of the monthly payments.
- Claim between 12 and 21 months after the death and you cannot get the first payment, but may get some monthly payments.
- After 21 months you usually cannot get any payments.
Tax and other benefits
GOV.UK lists Bereavement Support Payment as a tax-free benefit, and says you do not need to tell HMRC about it. This is different from the older Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent's Allowance, which are listed as taxable.
GOV.UK also says BSP will not affect your other benefits for a year after your first payment. After that, money you still have left from it could affect a new or renewed benefit claim. You must tell your benefits office when you start getting it.
How to claim
You can apply online, by phone or by post. The Bereavement Service helpline is 0800 151 2012, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and there is a Welsh-language line. You will need your National Insurance number, your partner's National Insurance number, the date they died, and your bank or building society details.
Differences across the UK
The rules above are for the UK. GOV.UK points people in Northern Ireland to a separate application route, so it can be worth using the Northern Ireland page if you live there.
Check before you act
Rules and rates change, and your own circumstances matter. It is worth confirming the details on the official pages linked below before relying on this guide. Free, confidential help is available from Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
