UK-wide
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP)
Last verified: 3 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
A contribution-based payment if your spouse or civil partner has died and they paid enough National Insurance. It is paid as an initial lump sum plus monthly payments for a limited period.
How much you could get
There is a higher rate if you are responsible for a child and a standard rate if not. Confirm current lump-sum and monthly figures on GOV.UK before relying on a number from elsewhere.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to have been married or in a civil partnership, be under State Pension age, and the deceased person must have paid enough National Insurance or died because of an accident at work or a prescribed disease. Time limits apply from the date of death.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You are under State Pension age.
Check if Bereavement Support Payment may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
If you were not married or in a civil partnership, different (often more limited) rules may apply — check GOV.UK rather than assuming you are covered. People over State Pension age look at other bereavement rules. This is not a funeral bill payment.
Where you live
Bereavement Support Payment is available UK-wide, but the claim route can still differ across nations.
Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Read the GOV.UK Bereavement Support Payment page. This is a contribution-based payment after a spouse or civil partner dies. Unmarried partners are treated differently — the official page is the source of truth. Official page
- Claim using the official form or online route on GOV.UK. There is a time limit from the date of death. Do not wait for probate if the page says you can claim sooner. Official page
- Have the death certificate and National Insurance details. The claim needs the deceased person’s details as well as yours. The official checklist lists what to send.
- Funeral Expenses Payment is a separate claim. If you need help with funeral costs, that is a different, means-tested payment. GOV.UK has a separate page for it.
Official sources
- Bereavement Support Payment — GOV.UK (primary source)
Related benefits
See all income and work benefits.
Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.