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Bereavement Support Payment

Also known as: Widow's Benefit, Bereavement Benefit

Definition

Bereavement Support Payment is a government benefit that provides a lump sum and monthly payments for up to 18 months to help with costs after your spouse or partner dies.

Understanding this benefit is crucial when planning your estate, as it affects how much financial support your surviving partner will receive during the difficult first 18 months after your death.

What Does Bereavement Support Payment Mean?

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a UK government benefit introduced on 6 April 2017, replacing older bereavement benefits. It provides a two-tier payment structure: a lump sum followed by 18 monthly payments. Those with dependent children receive £3,500 upfront plus £350 per month (£9,800 total), while those without receive £2,500 plus £100 per month (£4,300 total). BSP is not means-tested—your income and savings don't affect eligibility—and all payments are completely tax-free.

Eligibility requires that your deceased partner paid sufficient National Insurance contributions and that you were married, in a civil partnership, or—since February 2023—cohabiting with dependent children. The February 2023 extension was a landmark change, allowing unmarried parents to claim for the first time. However, cohabiting partners without children remain ineligible. You must claim within 21 months of your partner's death, but timing matters: claiming within 3 months ensures you receive all 18 monthly payments, while claiming later means you forfeit some.

Emma's husband died in January 2025, leaving her with two children aged 8 and 11. She claimed BSP in February and received £3,500 immediately, then £350 monthly for 18 months—£9,800 total tax-free. This helped Emma cover the mortgage while adjusting to single-income life. BSP is separate from your partner's estate and doesn't form part of their inheritance. Understanding this benefit helps you assess life insurance needs and inform estate planning decisions.

Common Questions

"How much can I receive from Bereavement Support Payment?"

If you have dependent children, you'll receive a lump sum of £3,500 plus 18 monthly payments of £350 (total £9,800). Without dependent children, you'll receive £2,500 plus 18 monthly payments of £100 (total £4,300). All payments are tax-free and not means-tested.

"Can I claim Bereavement Support Payment if I wasn't married to my partner?"

Yes, since February 2023, unmarried cohabiting partners with dependent children can claim Bereavement Support Payment. However, cohabiting partners without dependent children remain ineligible. Previously, only married couples and civil partners could claim.

"How long do I have to claim Bereavement Support Payment after my partner dies?"

You must claim within 21 months of your partner's death. However, to receive the full amount including all 18 monthly payments, claim within 3 months. If you claim between 3-12 months, you'll lose some monthly payments. After 12 months, you'll also lose the lump sum.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Bereavement Support Payment is the same as the old Widow's Pension

Reality: BSP replaced the Widow's Pension in 2017 with major differences. The old Widow's Pension could last decades until age 65, remarriage, or death. BSP only pays for 18 months maximum. However, BSP provides a larger lump sum, is not means-tested, and extends to men, civil partners, and (since 2023) unmarried parents—the old Widow's Pension was only for women.

Myth: My inheritance or savings will prevent me from claiming Bereavement Support Payment

Reality: BSP is not means-tested—your income, savings, or inheritance from your partner's estate has no effect on eligibility or payment amount. You can receive a substantial inheritance and still claim the full BSP. However, after the first year, BSP may be counted as savings when calculating eligibility for means-tested benefits like Universal Credit.

  • Widow: A woman whose husband has died and who may be eligible to receive BSP if her husband paid sufficient National Insurance.
  • Widower: A man whose wife has died; unlike the old Widow's Pension, BSP is available to widowers on the same terms as widows.
  • Spouse: Legal relationship status required for BSP eligibility, alongside civil partnership or cohabiting with dependent children (since 2023).
  • Death Benefits: BSP is one type of death benefit; others include life insurance payouts, pension death benefits, and employer death-in-service payments.
  • State Benefits: BSP is a UK government benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding Bereavement Support Payment helps you assess the financial support your partner will receive after your death and informs how much life insurance you truly need.

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Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.