How Much is a Bereavement Payment from DWP?
Navigating financial support during a time of loss can be overwhelming. One such provision in the UK is the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP), a government benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It’s specifically designed to offer financial relief to individuals who have lost a spouse, civil partner, or, under recent legal changes, a long-term cohabiting partner.
This blog will break down how much a bereavement payment is from the DWP, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect in terms of financial support. It’s essential for grieving individuals to understand their entitlements so that no support goes unclaimed.
What is the Bereavement Support Payment?
The Bereavement Support Payment is a non-means-tested, non-taxable benefit available to those who have lost a partner. It was introduced in April 2017 to replace several legacy benefits, including the Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, and the original Bereavement Payment.
This benefit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales, and Scotland, and by the Bereavement Service in Northern Ireland.
Unlike previous bereavement benefits, BSP is not affected by savings or income, and it is paid directly into the claimant’s bank or building society account. It aims to ease the initial financial burden caused by a partner’s death.
Who Is Eligible for a Bereavement Payment in the UK?
Eligibility is determined by several factors, including age, relationship status, and your partner’s National Insurance record.
To qualify, the claimant must:
- Be under State Pension age (currently 66) at the time of their partner’s death
- Have been either:
- Married, in a civil partnership, or
- Living as if married (cohabiting with dependent children)
- Be resident in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
- Have a partner who made sufficient National Insurance contributions, or died as a result of a work-related accident or illness
In cases where the partner’s cause of death was confirmed later, or if a partner died before cohabiting rights were extended (30 August 2018), backdated claims may apply with time-limited eligibility.
How Much Can You Get from the DWP Bereavement Payment Scheme?
The amount received depends on two main rates: standard and higher, with monthly instalments paid for up to 18 months. A one-off lump sum is also included.
What is the Standard Rate Bereavement Payment?
The standard rate applies if the claimant was not pregnant at the time of their partner’s death and does not receive or is not entitled to Child Benefit for a dependent child.
Standard Rate Breakdown:
| Payment Type | Amount |
| Lump Sum | £2,500 |
| Monthly Payment | £100 for 18 months (maximum) |
This rate offers essential financial support but is lower than the amount provided to those with dependents or pregnancy-related considerations.
What is the Higher Rate Bereavement Payment?
Claimants may qualify for the higher rate if they were pregnant or entitled to Child Benefit at the time of their partner’s death.
Higher Rate Breakdown:
| Payment Type | Amount |
| Lump Sum | £3,500 |
| Monthly Payment | £350 for 18 months (maximum) |
This enhanced rate recognises the additional financial pressures of raising a child or preparing for a new arrival.
How Does the Bereavement Payment Differ for Married and Cohabiting Partners?
Until recently, only those who were married or in a civil partnership could receive bereavement payments. However, recent changes now include cohabiting partners under certain conditions.
Claiming as a Cohabiting Partner – What Changed?
The law was updated to allow cohabiting partners with dependent children to claim bereavement support. This change means those living as though they were married, even without formal registration, are now recognised, provided they meet specific criteria.
Backdated Claims for Cohabiting Partners
For deaths occurring between 30 August 2018 and 9 February 2023, claims could be backdated if submitted by 8 February 2024. In such cases, both lump sum and monthly payments could be claimed.
However, if the cohabiting partner died before 30 August 2018, only partial monthly payments may be issued, no lump sum is granted.
When Should You Apply for Bereavement Support to Receive Full Payments?
Timeliness is crucial in claiming bereavement support. The sooner the application is submitted, the more the claimant is likely to receive.
Here’s a simplified look at how timing affects payment:
| Time of Claim Post-Death | Payment Eligibility |
| Within 3 months | Full lump sum + all 18 monthly payments |
| Between 3–12 months | Full lump sum + reduced monthly payments |
| Between 12–21 months | Monthly payments only, no lump sum |
| After 21 months | Usually not eligible unless special cases |
To receive the full amount, it’s essential to apply within three months from the date of your partner’s death. Delays may result in missed payments.
How Do You Apply for a Bereavement Support Payment?
Applying for a Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is designed to be accessible and efficient, with multiple methods available based on where you live in the UK. The process ensures that recently bereaved individuals can receive financial assistance without unnecessary delays.
You can apply through the following methods:
- Online via the official GOV.UK portal or NI Direct for residents of Northern Ireland
- By phone using the DWP Bereavement Service or the Northern Ireland Bereavement Service
- By post, using a downloadable application form available from the respective government websites
Required Documents for Your BSP Application
When applying, you will typically need to provide:
- Your marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of a cohabiting relationship (if applicable)
- The death certificate of your late partner
If these documents are not immediately available, you should still submit your claim as soon as possible. Supporting evidence can be submitted later, ensuring you don’t miss out due to delays.
Does the Bereavement Payment Affect Other Benefits or Income?
The Bereavement Support Payment does not count as income for most means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, for up to 12 months after the first payment is received.
After that 12-month period, any remaining funds may be considered as capital when reassessing eligibility for benefits. However, BSP is not subject to the Benefit Cap, which limits total benefits a household can receive.
This makes it a reliable financial cushion that won’t penalise claimants by reducing their access to other entitlements, at least for the first year.
What Happens If You Reach State Pension Age During the Payment Period?
If you reach State Pension age within 18 months of receiving a Bereavement Support Payment, you may receive fewer monthly instalments than someone younger. This is because the DWP only continues BSP payments until the claimant reaches retirement age.
For example, if you start receiving BSP at age 65½ and turn 66 six months later, you’ll only receive six monthly payments, regardless of your original entitlement.
It’s important for individuals nearing retirement to understand how this rule might affect the total amount they receive. While the initial lump sum remains unaffected, monthly payments will stop once the pension threshold is crossed.
Is the Bereavement Support Payment Subject to Tax or Benefit Deductions?
One of the most reassuring aspects of the Bereavement Support Payment is that it is completely tax-free. You won’t pay income tax on the lump sum or monthly payments, and they will not be deducted from other government benefits for the first year.
This ensures that the payment functions as genuine financial assistance, not just a redistribution of existing benefits. After the 12-month period, any remaining money might be included in capital assessments, which could affect future benefit calculations.
The tax-free and benefit-exempt nature of this support makes it an especially valuable lifeline during bereavement, allowing families to focus on emotional recovery without immediate financial stress.
Conclusion
The Bereavement Support Payment is a vital form of government assistance designed to support individuals during one of life’s most difficult moments.
Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or part of a cohabiting family with children, the financial help available can make a significant difference.
To recap:
- Apply within three months to receive the full amount.
- Amounts vary based on child or pregnancy status.
- Cohabiting partners are now eligible in many cases.
- BSP is tax-free and won’t affect other benefits for 12 months.
Understanding the full picture ensures that those who qualify don’t miss out on this crucial financial support. If you or someone you know has recently lost a partner, act promptly and apply through the correct channels to access this support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone over State Pension age claim Bereavement Support Payment?
No, this benefit is only available to those under State Pension age at the time of their partner’s death. Alternatives like Widowed Parent’s Allowance may apply if the death occurred before 2017.
What if I was divorced or separated at the time of my partner’s death?
You cannot claim BSP if you were divorced or no longer in a civil partnership at the time of your partner’s death. The benefit is only available to current spouses, civil partners, or qualifying cohabitants.
How long does it take to receive the first bereavement payment?
Once your application is approved, the lump sum is typically paid within a few weeks, followed by monthly payments. Timelines can vary slightly depending on how you apply.
What if my partner didn’t meet National Insurance contribution requirements?
If your partner died due to a work-related accident or illness, the usual National Insurance requirements may be waived. The DWP will assess the details as part of the application.
Will my bereavement payment stop if I remarry or move in with someone else?
No. Once you are awarded BSP, your payment will continue regardless of changes to your living situation, including remarriage or entering a new partnership.
Can I appeal a denied Bereavement Support Payment application?
Yes, if your application is rejected, you can request a mandatory reconsideration. If unsuccessful, you may appeal through the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
Are there bereavement benefits for deaths before April 2017?
Yes. If your partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be eligible for Widowed Parent’s Allowance or Bereavement Allowance, which are separate from BSP.
