The widow’s pension: bereavement support payment explained

If you are worried about how you would pay your  bills after your partner dies, you may find some reassurance in bereavement support.

The bereavement support payment is intended to protect people from financial hardship, during the difficult month’s after their partner’s death. It  was introduced in April 2017, replacing  the widowed parent's allowance, the bereavement allowance (previously known as the widow's pension) and the  bereavement payment.  

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive payments from the government for 18 months.

What is a widow’s pension?

Although you may still hear reference to the widow’s pension, this particular benefit isn’t actually around anymore. However, there’s a similar scheme called the bereavement support payment (BSP) in its place.

If you are eligible for the benefit you’ll get an initial lump sum followed by regular payments for up to 18 months.

This money can be used to help you manage your bills and cover other vital spending during this distressing time.

It can also tide you over while you wait to inherit their pension, if you’re entitled to the pot.

Who can get the bereavement support payment?

When the bereavement support payment was introduced in 2017,  you were only entitled to claim it if you were married to your partner or in a civil partnership when they died.

However, eligibility to the payment was extended to include cohabiting couples  with dependent children in 2023. 

Payments are linked to national insurance contributions, and you can only claim if you haven’t reached state pension age yet.

Your partner will have had to have made national insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any one tax year for you to be able to claim.

However, if they died as a result of an accident at work or an illness caused by their job, you may still be eligible, irrespective of their national insurance contributions.

How much is the bereavement support payment?

The bereavement support payments is not means-tested.

Instead, there are two flat rates, which include an initial lump sum followed by 18 monthly payments:

You’re eligible for the higher rate if you have children to look after, which is determined by whether or not you’re entitled to child benefit.

You’ll also get a higher rate if you were pregnant when your partner died.

However, if your partner died before April 2017, you’ll receive money through the previous scheme: the widowed parent's allowance. 

In this case, your payments will depend on your age. The older you are, the more money you will receive.

Is the bereavement support payment taxed?

The bereavement support payment scheme is not taxable.

It's also not included in the benefit cap, which means you don’t need to count them when working out whether you’ll get other means-tested benefits. 

How do I claim bereavement support payment?

You should apply for bereavement support payment within three months after your civil partner, husband or wife died to get the full amount.

You can apply up to 21 months after they pass away. However, you will get fewer monthly payments.

It’s easy to claim for the payments.

You can apply over the phone by calling the bereavement service helpline or by filling out a form, which you can download or get through the post from your local Jobcentre Plus. You can also apply online. 

How long does it take to get your bereavement support? 

If you’re eligible for these payments, the Department for Work and Pensions aims to get your first payment to you as soon as possible.

Your payments will then continue on a monthly basis.  

What happens to your bereavement support if you die?

If you die while receiving bereavement support payment, the payments will stop.

Get financial advice

Losing a partner can bring not only emotional pain but also financial challenges.

Bereavement support payments can provide temporary relief, but it’s important to understand how this benefit fits into your broader financial picture.

Speaking with a financial adviser can help you assess your situation, plan for the future, and explore other available support, such as pensions or insurance policies.