Bereavement Payment

What is it?

The Bereavement Payment (BP) is a one off lump sum payment.

Basic qualifying condition

The Bereavement Payment is payable if your

• late spouse or civil partner had paid enough National Insurance contributions, or their death was caused by their job; and
• your late spouse or civil partner was not entitled to Retirement Pension when they died, or you are under state pension age when your spouse or civil partner died.

It is not paid if you:

• live with someone else as your husband or wife or civil partner at the time of your spouse's or civil partner's death
• if you are divorced from your husband or wife or your civil partnership has been dissolved; or
• if you are in prison or legal custody

You can download the appropriate Benefits and Contributions Guide section (see downloadable documents) to find out more about the contribution conditions that must be met.

How much could I get and how am I paid?

See benefit rates for further details regarding how much an eligible individual could receive. 

Payment is made by cheque which is payable into a bank or building society.

How and when should I apply?

Claim forms can be requested from and returned to the Pensions Group:

Claims should be made as soon as possible, and no later than 12 months after your spouse's or civil partner's death, in order to avoid a loss of benefit.