The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has consolidated three separate benefits into a single non-means-tested payment called Bereavement Support Payment, worth up to £6,300. This change affects Widowed Parent's Allowance, Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow's Pension), and Bereavement Payment.
What Has Changed?
Bereavement Support Payment replaces these three benefits. If you already receive Widowed Parent's Allowance, your payments will continue until you are no longer eligible. The new payment is not means-tested, meaning your income or savings do not affect eligibility or the amount you receive.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, according to the DWP, you must have been under State Pension age when your partner died. You must also have been living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits, and be married to, in a civil partnership with, or living with your partner as if married. Your partner must have paid a certain amount of Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions in any tax year since 6 April 1975, or died due to an accident at work or a work-related disease. If you are unsure whether your partner paid enough National Insurance, you can still make a claim, and the Bereavement Service will inform you.
Payment Amounts
The maximum you can receive is a one-off payment of £3,500 plus 18 monthly payments of £350, totaling £6,300. If you are not eligible for the higher rate, you may receive a one-off payment of £2,500 and 18 monthly payments of £100.
Claim Deadlines
The DWP states: "You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the one-off payment and all 18 monthly payments. If it’s been over 3 months but fewer than 12 months since your partner’s death, you can get the one-off payment but only some of the monthly payments. If it’s been over 12 months but fewer than 21 months since your partner’s death, you cannot get the one-off payment but you can still get some monthly payments. If it’s been over 21 months since your partner’s death, you usually cannot get any payments."
