The full picture
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) replaced earlier bereavement benefits in April 2017. It's paid to a surviving spouse, civil partner, or (since 2023) cohabiting parent of dependent children, when the deceased had paid sufficient National Insurance contributions or died from a work-related cause.
Two rates — based on whether you have dependent children:
**Higher rate (with dependent children or pregnant)**: - £3,500 lump sum - £350/month for 18 months (£6,300 total) - **Total: £9,800 over 18 months**
**Lower rate (no dependent children)**: - £2,500 lump sum - £100/month for 18 months (£1,800 total) - **Total: £4,300 over 18 months**
Not means-tested — you can receive BSP regardless of your income, savings or whether you're working. It's tax-free and doesn't count as income for Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
Cohabiting parents (not married or in a civil partnership) became eligible in February 2023. If you were cohabiting with the deceased before this date, your claim can be backdated to the original death date.
Claim within 3 months of the death to receive all 18 monthly payments. Claims after 3 months get fewer monthly payments.