How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Many people who lose their partner suffer financially as well as emotionally, and may not be aware of bereavement benefits that could help ease some of their money worries.
There are plenty of aspects of the state benefit system that are complicated and bereavement benefits are no exception, but it’s important to try to claim within the time limits to avoid missing out on any financial support you might be entitled to.
In this article, we cover what bereavement benefits are, who is eligible, and how to make a claim.
Request a FREE Choice Funeral Plan Brochure
A Choice Funeral Plan lets you pay towards your funeral and record your wishes in advance, helping to give you and your family peace of mind.
Request your brochure using the link below or speak with one of our experienced team members at Choice on 0808 258 4867.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
What financial support is available?
Bereavement Support Payment has replaced most existing bereavement benefits including Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension) and Bereavement Payment.
It is available to those in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland whose spouse or civil partner has died in the last 21 months. It can also be claimed by parents with dependent children who were not married to their partner, but cohabited with them.
Bereavement Support Payment consists of a large initial payment, followed by up to 18 monthly instalments. There are two rates available:
| First Payment | Monthly Payment | |
| Higher rate | £3,500 | £350 |
| Lower rate | £2,500 | £100 |
If you already receive Child Benefit – or are entitled to it – you’ll receive the higher rate. If you don’t receive Child Benefit, you’ll get the lower rate, unless you were pregnant at the time your spouse or partner died.
To receive the full amount you’re entitled to, you need to claim within three months of your partner’s death. You can claim up to 21 months after their death, but you’ll get fewer monthly payments the later you leave it.
Who is eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?
You could be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment if your partner died in the past 21 months and either:
- Died as the result of an accident or disease caused by work.
- Paid National Insurance contributions for a minimum of 25 weeks within one tax year since 6 April 1975.
At the time of their death, they must have been under State Pension age and been living in the UK or a country that also provides bereavement benefits.
Other factors such as your income, how much savings you have, or whether you’re working, don’t affect your eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment.
If you reach State Pension age within 18 months of your partner’s death, you may get fewer monthly payments.
Request a FREE Choice Funeral Plan Brochure
A Choice Funeral Plan lets you pay towards your funeral and record your wishes in advance, helping to give you and your family peace of mind.
Request your brochure using the link below or speak with one of our experienced team members at Choice on 0808 258 4867.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
What if my partner died more than 21 months ago?
If it’s been over 21 months since your partner’s death, you usually cannot get any bereavement benefit payments.
However, if your partner’s death has only been recently confirmed and they died more than 21 months ago, you might be able to claim. Contact the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012 to find out if you qualify.
You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number, the date your partner died and their National Insurance number when you apply.
Can I claim Widowed Parent’s Allowance?
Widowed Parent’s Allowance has now been replaced by the Bereavement Support Payment, but if you’re already claiming it, you’ll continue to receive it until you’re no longer eligible.
This benefit is for those whose spouse or civil partner died between 9 April 2001 and 5 April 2017 and who are still entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child.
The amount of Widowed Parent’s Allowance you get is based on how much your late spouse or partner paid in National Insurance contributions. The maximum you can receive is £156.65 in the 2025/26 tax year.
You’ll receive Widowed Parent’s Allowance until you either stop being entitled to Child Benefit or you reach State Pension age. Other benefits may be affected if you receive Widowed Parent’s Allowance, so you must report it to your benefits office.
Will Bereavement Support Payment affect the other benefits I’m on?
Bereavement Support Payment won’t affect any benefits you receive for one year after your first payment. However, if after a year, you have money left over from your first payment, then this could affect the amount you’ll receive if you decide to renew or claim a different kind of benefit.
When you start receiving Bereavement Support Payment, it’s also important that you tell your benefits office (for example, your local Jobcentre plus) that you’re receiving it.
How can I claim bereavement benefits?
The quickest way to apply for Bereavement Support Payment is by phone on 0800 151 2012. Or if you prefer, you can also apply using a paper form.
You’ll be able to find the relevant addresses on the Gov.uk website. Here you’ll also find information about how to claim if you’re abroad.
If you live in Northern Ireland, the process is slightly different, which you can find out more about Bereavement Support Payment | nidirect.
Request a FREE Choice Funeral Plan Brochure
A Choice Funeral Plan lets you pay towards your funeral and record your wishes in advance, helping to give you and your family peace of mind.
Request your brochure using the link below or speak with one of our experienced team members at Choice on 0808 258 4867.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Final thoughts…
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we have to deal with in life and it can leave us feeling lost and unsure where to turn.
But while you’re processing the emotional impact of a loved one’s passing, we know that money worries are one of the last things you’ll want to be thinking about. This is where bereavement benefits can help, potentially relieving some of the financial stress you might be under at a difficult time.
If you need further advice on what to do when you’ve lost a loved one, our article What to do when someone dies might help.
Rest Less Money is on Instagram. Check out our account and give us a follow @rest_less_uk_money for all the latest Money News, updated daily.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Request a FREE Choice Funeral Plan Brochure
A Choice Funeral Plan lets you pay towards your funeral and record your wishes in advance, helping to give you and your family peace of mind.
Request your brochure using the link below or speak with one of our experienced team members at Choice on 0808 258 4867.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines