The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now providing a £3,500 lump sum to bereaved families through the Bereavement Support Payment. This benefit has replaced three previous benefits: Widowed Parent’s Allowance (existing payments continue until ineligibility), Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow’s Pension), and Bereavement Payment.
Key Details of the Payment
The amount you receive depends on several factors. The maximum rate is a one-off £3,500 lump sum, or 18 monthly payments of £350, as stated on the DWP website. Importantly, the Bereavement Support Payment is not means-tested, meaning your income or savings do not affect eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must have been under State Pension age when your partner died, living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits, and married, in a civil partnership, or living together as if married. Your partner must have either paid sufficient Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions in any tax year since 6 April 1975, or died due to a work accident or work-related disease. Even if unsure about NI contributions, you can still claim; the Bereavement Service will verify.
Claiming Process
You cannot claim if you are in prison. Claims must usually be made within 21 months of your partner’s death, though late claims may be accepted if the cause of death was recently confirmed. Claiming within three months ensures the full amount of payments.
