It is not means-tested, so your earnings and savings do not matter. Since 2023 it also covers partners who were not married, if you had children.
Quick facts
- Higher rate
- £3,500 + 18 × £350
- Lower rate
- £2,500 + 18 × £100
- Means-tested?
- No
- Full amount if you claim
- Within 3 months
- Last date to claim
- Usually 21 months
How much you get
You’ll get the higher rate if, when your partner died, you were getting or entitled to Child Benefit for a child who lived with you, or you were pregnant.
| Rate | One-off payment | Monthly payments |
|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | £3,500 | 18 × £350 |
| Lower rate | £2,500 | 18 × £100 |
If you’re not eligible for the higher rate, you’ll get the lower rate instead.
Who can get it — the full rules
Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested. This means what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.
When your partner died, you must have been:
- under State Pension age
- living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
- married to your partner, in a civil partnership with them, or living with them as if you were married
Your partner must have paid enough National Insurance in any one tax year since 6 April 1975, or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work. You can still make a claim if you’re not sure whether your partner paid enough National Insurance contributions.
If you were not married
If you were living together as if you were married, one of these must have applied when your partner died: you were getting or entitled to Child Benefit for a child that lived with you, or you were pregnant.
Claim quickly: the deadlines
You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the one-off payment and all 18 monthly payments.
If it’s been over 3 months but fewer than 12 months since your partner’s death, you can get the one-off payment but only some of the monthly payments.
If it’s been over 12 months but fewer than 21 months since your partner’s death, you cannot get the one-off payment but you can still get some monthly payments.
Other help after a death
If you are on a low income you may also get help with the funeral: see the Funeral Expenses Payment. If you are bringing up a child whose parents have died, see Guardian's Allowance.
Common questions
How much is Bereavement Support Payment?
The higher rate is a one-off £3,500 plus 18 monthly payments of £350. The lower rate is £2,500 plus 18 monthly payments of £100.
Can I get it if we were not married?
Yes, if you were living together as if married and you had a child you got Child Benefit for, or you were pregnant.
How long do I have to claim?
You usually need to make a claim within 21 months of your partner’s death. Claim within 3 months to get the full amount.
Does my income matter?
No. Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested.