Bereavement Support Payment

Did you know that if someone dies who was below pension age, their partner may be eligible for a Bereavement Support Payment?

What is it?

This is a non-means-tested fund from the UK government for the partner of anyone who dies under pensionable age. So, the amount claimed is not affected by what the partner earns or how much they have in savings. It can be claimed as a one-off payment or monthly instalments but there are certain conditions that have to be met.

How much?

The amount claimed depends on:

- the partner’s relationship to the person who died

- when they make their claim

- when they themselves reach State Pension age

The maximum that could be claimed is £3500 one-off payment or 18 monthly instalments of £350.

Conditions

The person who died must have:

- either paid a qualifying amount of National Insurance contributions

- or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

The partner themselves must:

- have been under State Pension age when the person died

- and living in the UK

- and married, in a civil partnership or living with them as if married

If they were living as if married when the person died, the couple must

- either have been receiving, or eligible for, Child Benefit

- or pregnant

When do they need to claim by?

The partner must submit their claim within 3 months of the person’s death to receive the full amount, or within 21 months to receive a part-payment.

For more information

Visit their website: https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

OR call the Bereavement Service on: 0800 151 2012

or Welsh language: 0800 731 0453

or Relay UK (for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 151 2012

or British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service via computer or via mobile or tablet.