How long does it take to get Bereavement Support Payment? Financial support if your partner has died

The death of a partner is devastating. Alongside the grief comes a sudden and daunting array of administrative tasks and financial adjustments.

You may wonder how you are going to cope financially after the loss of your partner, especially if their salary is an essential part of your household income or if you have dependent children to support.

If your partner dies before you reach the state pension age, the Bereavement Support Payment can offer a short-term financial lifeline.  Previously, this support was only available if you were married or in a civil partnership. However, a new law in February 2023 means co-habiting parents are also eligible.

At Life Ledger, we know that navigating the process of claiming government benefits and waiting for crucial funds can add significant stress at a time of immense vulnerability. And we know you will have questions about how long it takes to receive bereavement support payments and the application process.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain the Bereavement Support Payment and who is entitled to it, what you need to do to apply, how long it should take to receive the payment, and what you can do to ensure a smoother experience.

What is Bereavement Support Payment?

The Bereavement Support Payment is a welfare benefit introduced in April 2017, replacing the older Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, and Bereavement Payment. It’s paid in two parts: an initial lump sum, followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount you receive depends on whether you have dependent children.

• Higher rate (with children): £3,500 lump sum, then £350 per month for up to 18 months.
• Lower rate (without children): £2,500 lump sum, then £100 per month for up to 18 months.

It’s not means-tested, meaning your income or savings won’t affect your eligibility, and it’s tax-free.

Who is eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?

To be eligible, you need to meet several criteria:

• You were under State Pension age when your husband, wife, or civil partner died.
• Your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975, or they died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
• You are living in the UK or a country that pays certain benefits.
• You usually need to make a claim within 21 months of your partner’s death.
• If it has been longer than 21 months, but the cause of death has only recently been confirmed, you may still be able to make a claim. The Bereavement Service helpline can help you.
• You will usually need to make a claim within three months of your partner’s death to receive the full amount of payments. You can still claim after this point, but may not get the full entitlement
• If your partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.

If you were divorced or if your civil partnership was dissolved when your partner died, you cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment.

You cannot claim Bereavement Support Payment if you’re in prison.

If you were living with your partner as if you were married

Bereavement support payments were previously only available if you were married or in a civil partnership. However, new legislation from February 2023 means that cohabiting parents who are bereaved are now also eligible for support. To be eligible, you must have at least one child under the age of 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time study or approved training.

If you’re pregnant when your partner dies, you can also make a claim for help. 

Unless you’re applying for a backdated payment, one of the following must have applied when your partner died:

• you were getting Child Benefit for a child that lived with you
• you were told by the Child Benefit Office that you were entitled to Child Benefit for a child that lived with you, even if you chose not to claim it
• you were pregnant

If your partner was getting or entitled to Child Benefit instead, you’ll need to make a new claim for Child Benefit in your name before you can apply for Bereavement Support Payment.

How to apply for Bereavement Support Payment

There are three ways to apply for Bereavement Support Payment:

1. Online: This is often the quickest and most straightforward method. You can apply via the Gov.uk website.
2. By Phone: You can call the Bereavement Service helpline.
3. By Post: You can download a claim form (BS1) from Gov.uk and send it to the Bereavement Service.

However you apply, you’ll need certain information to hand, such as:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Your partner’s National Insurance number.
• The date your partner died.
• Your bank or building society account details.
• The date you were married or formed a civil partnership.
• Details of any children you are claiming for.

Providing all necessary information accurately at this stage is crucial for preventing delays.

How long does it take to receive the Bereavement Support Payment?

Generally, once your application is submitted and all required information is processed, the initial lump sum payment is received relatively quickly.

• Initial lump sum: The majority of applicants receive the initial lump sum within a few days to a couple of weeks after their application is approved. This is often dependent on the completeness and accuracy of the application, and whether any further information is needed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you apply online and all details match up, the system can process it quite efficiently. For phone or postal applications, the process may naturally take a little longer due to processing times.
• Monthly payments: The subsequent monthly payments will then follow after the initial lump sum. These are typically paid directly into your bank account on a regular schedule (usually weekly or every four weeks), depending on how the DWP sets up your payments. 

Factors that can affect how quickly you receive your payment

While the DWP aims for efficiency, several factors can influence how long it takes to receive your BSP:

• Accuracy of application: Errors, omissions, or missing information on your application form are the most common reasons for delays. Double-check everything before submitting.
• Method of application: Online applications are generally faster than phone or postal ones, as they can be processed more digitally.
• Volume of applications: During periods of increased demand, processing times might be slightly extended.
• Complexity of case: If your partner’s National Insurance contributions record needs extensive checking, or if there are unusual circumstances, it might take longer.
• Need for additional information: The DWP may need to contact you for further details or clarification. Responding promptly to these requests is vital.
• Verification checks: Standard verification checks are conducted to confirm eligibility, and while usually quick, they can occasionally flag issues that require more in-depth investigation.

What can you do to speed up the application processor and prevent delays

1. Apply as soon as possible: To receive the full amount of Bereavement Support Payment, claims should ideally be submitted within three months of your partner’s death. While you have up to 21 months to claim, any application made after three months will result in fewer monthly payments.
2. Gather all information first: Before you start the application, have all the necessary documents and details ready, as listed above.
3. Apply online: If possible, use the online application portal on Gov.uk.
4. Double-check everything: Review your application thoroughly for any mistakes or missing fields before submitting.
5. Keep records: Make a note of when you applied, any reference numbers, and the dates of any communication with the DWP.
6. Respond promptly: If the DWP contacts you for more information, provide it as quickly as you can.
7. Be patient but persistent: If you experience significant delays beyond the typical timeframe and haven’t heard anything, don’t hesitate to call the Bereavement Service helpline to enquire about the status of your application.

Additional financial support if your partner has died

You may be entitled to financial support towards the cost of your partner’s funeral if you are in receipt of certain benefits. Find out more about the Funeral Expenses Payment here.  https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Your financial situation will likely change after the death of a partner, whether that’s extra money from pensions, annuities, benefits or inheritance in which case you may need to pay more tax; or your income may lower and you’ll need to pay less tax. Find out more about benefits, tax and pension after the death of a partner here. https://www.gov.uk/death-spouse-benefits-tax-pension

Helping you with the administrative challenge of bereavement 

We know first-hand how difficult and emotionally overwhelming the administrative burden can feel after the death of a loved one. That’s why we founded Life Ledger. Life Ledger provides a centralised platform that allows you to inform more than 1,000 UK companies – ranging from banks, insurers, and pension providers to gas, water, telecoms, and social media – all from one single point. This can save invaluable time and emotional energy, removing the need to have the same difficult conversations repeatedly. If you or someone you know is facing this administrative challenge, discover how Life Ledger can help simplify these essential notifications.