Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a benefit for people who have lost their spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner. It provides a lump sum followed by monthly payments for up to 18 months. Here are the current rates and everything you need to know to claim.
Bereavement Support Payment Rates 2026/27
BSP is paid at two rates depending on whether you have dependent children or are pregnant.
Higher Rate (With Dependent Children or Pregnant)
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial lump sum | £3,500 |
| Monthly payments (up to 18 months) | £350/month |
| Maximum total | £9,800 |
Lower Rate (No Dependent Children)
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial lump sum | £2,500 |
| Monthly payments (up to 18 months) | £100/month |
| Maximum total | £4,300 |
Rates at a Glance
| Rate | Lump Sum | Monthly | Duration | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher (children/pregnant) | £3,500 | £350 | 18 months | £9,800 |
| Lower (no children) | £2,500 | £100 | 18 months | £4,300 |
When Did BSP Rates Last Increase?
BSP rates increased in April 2026 in line with the Pensions Triple Lock earnings component. The higher rate monthly payment rose from £350 to £350 and the lump sum from £3,500 to £3,500. (Note: BSP rates are uprated annually but are set by Parliament and do not always increase — check GOV.UK at the start of each tax year for confirmed current rates.)
Who Qualifies for Bereavement Support Payment
You can claim BSP if:
- Your spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner died on or after 6 April 2017
- You were under State Pension age when they died
- Your partner either:
- Paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any single tax year, OR
- Died because of an industrial accident or disease
- You were living in the UK, EEA, or Switzerland when your partner died (or meet overseas entitlement conditions)
Who Does NOT Qualify
- You were over State Pension age when your partner died
- Your partner died before 6 April 2017 (different legacy benefits apply)
- You were not married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting with them at the time (see cohabitation rules below)
- Your partner had not made sufficient National Insurance contributions
Cohabitation Rule
BSP was extended to cohabiting couples (unmarried couples living together) in August 2023 following a Supreme Court ruling. If you were living together as a couple when your partner died but were not married or in a civil partnership, you may still qualify.
To qualify as a cohabiting partner you need to show you were living together in a committed relationship. The DWP will review evidence such as shared finances, lease agreements, and other documentation.
How to Claim Bereavement Support Payment
Claim Early — It Makes a Difference
The date you claim affects how much you receive:
| When You Claim | Lump Sum | Monthly Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Within 3 months | Full lump sum | All remaining months paid |
| 3–21 months after death | Reduced lump sum | Remaining months only |
| After 21 months | No longer eligible | No longer eligible |
Claim as soon as possible. If you claim within 3 months, you receive the full lump sum and all monthly payments.
How to Claim
- Online at GOV.UK — you can complete the form at www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment
- By phone — call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 731 0469 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- By post — download form BSP1 and send it to the address on the form
You will need:
- Your National Insurance number
- The date and cause of your partner’s death
- Your partner’s National Insurance number
- Your bank account details
- The death certificate (you’ll be asked to send or show this)
What Happens to BSP Payments
When Payments Stop
Monthly BSP payments stop when:
- You have received 18 monthly payments
- You reach State Pension age
- You remarry or form a new civil partnership
- You enter into a new cohabiting relationship (this does not stop payments — BSP rules changed in 2023 and re-cohabitation no longer ends entitlement)
Tax and Benefits
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Income tax | Not taxable |
| National Insurance | Does not count as earnings |
| Universal Credit | Disregarded for 12 months (counted as income after 12 months) |
| Housing Benefit | Treated similar to UC rules |
| Pension Credit | Generally not counted as income |
| Savings credit | Not counted as capital |
| Means tests generally | Not counted as income for first 12 months |
Bereavement Benefits Before 6 April 2017
If your partner died before 6 April 2017, BSP does not apply. You may instead be receiving:
Bereavement Allowance
A weekly payment for up to 52 weeks, paid to those aged 45 or over when widowed, without dependent children.
Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA)
A weekly payment for widows/widowers with dependent children or pregnant when their partner died. This is still paid to existing claimants.
Both benefits were replaced by BSP for deaths from 6 April 2017. If you are still receiving WPA or Bereavement Allowance, these continue until your entitlement ends.
Other Financial Help After Bereavement
BSP is one source of support. Other help may be available:
| Support | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| Funeral Support Payment (Scotland) | Up to £1,000 towards funeral costs (Scotland only) |
| Budgeting Loan / UC Budgeting Advance | Interest-free loan for urgent costs |
| Council Tax reduction | Reduced council tax if living alone |
| Pension Credit | If you are pension age |
| Universal Credit | Working-age means-tested benefit |
| Inherited State Pension rights | State Pension may increase based on partner’s NI record |
Getting Help with a Claim
The DWP bereavement service can help you claim and answer questions:
- Phone: 0800 731 0469 (free, 9am–5pm Monday–Friday)
- Textphone: 0800 731 0456
- Online: GOV.UK bereavement service pages
You can also get free support from:
- Citizens Advice — help completing the form and understanding your entitlements
- Cruse Bereavement Support — emotional and practical support
- Turn2Us — grant finder and benefits calculator