Am I Entitled to Benefits After a Death?

The period immediately following bereavement is very difficult. Finances are likely to be low on your list of priorities.

But bereavement can also cause financial difficulty. In recognition of this, there is a range of benefits to which you may be entitled if you have recently lost a spouse or civil partner.

Bereavement Support Payment

Bereavement Support Payment is available to many people after the death of their husband, wife or civil partner. You can claim it on a weekly basis for up to 52 weeks after their death.

You may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment if you are 45 or older when your spouse or civil partner dies. You must be under the State Pension age, and your spouse must have made National Insurance Contributions.

You may not claim the Allowance if you were divorced at the time of the death, or if you are living with another person “as if you were married” or in a civil partnership.

Bereavement Support Payment is paid at different rates depending on your age at the time of the death. The maximum weekly rate begins at £29.30 for those aged 45, and rises gradually to £97.65 for those aged between 55 and the State Pension age.

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Funeral Payment

Funeral Payments are designed to help those on low incomes who have to arrange a funeral. You should note that, depending on circumstances, you may have to pay back part of the Payment from the estate.

In order to qualify for a Funeral Payment, you must be the partner, parent or close relative of the individual who has died. You or your partner must also be in receipt of at least one of a range of benefits. These include Income Support, income-based JSA, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. A full list is available on the GOV.UK website.

Funeral Payments can be up to £700, and are almost always paid directly to the funeral director. An application form is available from the Department for Work and Pensions.

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Bereavement Payment

Bereavement Support Payment is a tax-free benefit available to those whose spouse or civil partner has died. You may be entitled to an initial lump sum of £2,500 or £3,500 (depending on whether you have children) followed by monthly payments, if you were under the State Pension age when they died and your spouse or civil partner had paid their National Insurance Contributions.

The benefit is paid directly into your bank account. You should note, though, that it may affect your entitlement to other, means-tested benefits. You can apply for the Payment by calling your local Jobcentre Plus, or downloading a form from the Department for Work and Pensions website.

Widowed Parent’s Allowance

The Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) is available to individuals whose spouse or civil partner has died, and who are bringing up at least one child for whom they are receiving Child Benefit.

In addition, in order to qualify for the benefit you must be below the State Pension age. Your spouse or civil partner must also have made National Insurance Contributions.

Bereavement Support Payment at the higher rate provides £350 a month for up to 18 months, plus an initial £3,500 lump sum, and it is paid directly into your bank account. You can claim the benefit through the Bereavement Service – BSP does not affect your benefits for a year after your first payment.

If you are any doubt about your entitlement to benefits, you should contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus or the Department for Work and Pensions.

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