Bereavement Support Payment

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a benefit designed to help people cope with the financial impact of losing a spouse or civil partner. It is aimed at those who have lost their partner on or after 6 April 2017. BSP is paid as a lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments, and eligibility does not depend on your National Insurance contributions, although your late spouse or civil partner must have made sufficient contributions. Unlike the older Bereavement Allowance and Widow’s Pension, BSP does not vary based on age or whether you are raising children, but the amount received can differ based on whether you have children under the age of 20 in full-time education.

What can I claim?

BSP consists of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly instalments. The rates are divided into two categories:

To receive the full benefit, you should claim BSP within three months of your partner’s death. Claims made after this period may still be processed, but the total amount you’re eligible for could be less.

Eligibility Conditions for Bereavement Support Payment:

• You must be below State Pension age.
• Your late spouse or civil partner must have paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks or died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
• You must claim within 21 months of your partner’s death to receive payments, although late claims will still receive the lump sum.