Bereavement Support Payment, eligibility, amount and how to claim
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) replaced the old Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent's Allowance in 2017. It's tax-free and doesn't affect other benefits for 12 months.
- Lump sum
- Up to £3,500
- Monthly payments
- 18
- Tax
- Tax-free
- Claim
- Within 3 months
Who can claim
You can claim BSP if your spouse, civil partner or (since February 2023) cohabiting partner with shared children has died, AND they paid National Insurance for at least 25 weeks, OR died from an accident at work or work-related disease, AND you were under State Pension age when they died.
How much you get
There are two rates as of 2026:
- Higher rate (with children, or pregnant when partner died): £3,500 lump sum + £350/month for 18 months
- Standard rate (no children): £2,500 lump sum + £100/month for 18 months
How to claim
Claim within 3 months of the death to get the full amount; claims up to 21 months are still accepted but the lump sum may be reduced. Apply at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment, by phone (0800 151 2012), or use the form sent after Tell Us Once.
Frequently asked questions
Does BSP affect Universal Credit or other benefits?
BSP is disregarded for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and most other means-tested benefits for the first 12 months. After that the payments still don't count as income, but the lump sum may count as savings.
Can cohabiting partners claim?
Yes, since 9 February 2023, if you have a child together (under 20 in full-time education, or you were pregnant when your partner died). You can backdate claims to the death if the death was after 30 August 2018.
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Check what you can claimMore guides in this series
Using Tell Us Once after a spouse or partner dies
Tell Us Once notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office and your council in one go. What it does and doesn't change for the surviving spouse.
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Funeral Expenses Payment helps with the cost of a funeral if you're on a low income. Covers burial or cremation fees and up to £1,000 of other costs.
Related guides
What is probate?
What it means, when you need it, what it costs and how to apply yourself.
What to do when someone dies
The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
Death admin checklist
A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
Tell Us Once explained
How the free government service notifies HMRC, DWP and your council in one go.
Closing accounts after death
Step-by-step for banks, utilities, pensions and subscriptions.
Bereavement financial help
Benefits and grants you may be entitled to claim.
Probate explained
When you need it, what it costs, and whether you need a solicitor.
Arranging a funeral
Every option and what it costs, and how to choose a funeral director.
Prepare your probate application
Gather the estate details, check what you need and build a pack before you apply yourself.
Funeral cost calculator
Estimate a funeral for your area and the choices you are making.
