Understanding DWP Bereavement Benefits

Understanding DWP Bereavement Benefits

If your spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has died, you may be entitled to financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These benefits are widely underclaimed.

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Bereavement Support Payment (BSP)

BSP is the main bereavement benefit available in Great Britain for deaths on or after 6 April 2017.

Who is eligible?

• Your spouse or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017
• You were under State Pension age at the time
• Your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks, or died from an accident at work
• You were living in the UK at the time

How much is BSP?

With children (or pregnant at time of death):

• Lump sum of £3,500
• 18 monthly payments of £350 (total up to £9,800)

Without children:

• Lump sum of £2,500
• 18 monthly payments of £100 (total up to £4,300)

These payments are tax-free and do not affect most other benefits.

How to claim

• Online: gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment
• By phone: 0800 151 2012 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, free)

Claim as soon as possible. BSP can only be backdated by three months.

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Other benefits to check

Universal Credit

If your income has dropped significantly after the bereavement, you may now qualify. Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit. BSP payments do not reduce your UC entitlement.

Pension Credit

If you are at or above State Pension age and your income has fallen, check eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.

Council Tax Reduction

A single occupant is entitled to a 25% council tax discount. Contact your local council.

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State Pension implications

If you are at or near State Pension age, the death may affect your entitlement. Contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.

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Death in service and pension benefits

If your partner was in employment or had a workplace pension, contact their employer's HR department and any pension providers directly.

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Summary: key steps

• Claim BSP within 3 months of the death — call 0800 151 2012
• Check Universal Credit eligibility if your income has changed
• Contact the Pension Service if near retirement age
• Ask the employer about death-in-service benefits
• Use turn2us.org.uk to check for other entitlements

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