For deaths from 6 April 2017, the payment is Bereavement Support Payment instead. Widowed Parent's Allowance is still paid to people already on it, and new claims are possible for earlier deaths.
Quick facts
- Pays up to
- £156.65 a week
- Partner died
- Before 6 April 2017
- Couples
- Married, civil partners, or living together
- Children
- Child Benefit for at least one child
- Claim through
- The Bereavement Service
Who can get it — the full rules
- Your partner died before 6 April 2017
- You were married, in a civil partnership, or living together as though you were
- You are under State Pension age
- You are entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child
- Your partner paid National Insurance, or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work
You can also claim if you were pregnant when your partner died.
How much and for how long
The amount depends on your partner's National Insurance record, up to £156.65 a week. It stops when you are no longer entitled to Child Benefit, reach State Pension age, or marry or live with a new partner.
You must report it if you get New Style Jobseeker's Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
How to claim
Phone the Bereavement Service, or download an application form from nidirect.
Common questions
Can I get Widowed Parent's Allowance if we were not married?
Yes. nidirect says living together as though you were married or in a civil partnership counts.
How much is Widowed Parent's Allowance?
Up to £156.65 a week, depending on your partner's National Insurance record.
My partner died after April 2017. What can I get?
Bereavement Support Payment, which replaced Widowed Parent's Allowance.