Bereavement benefits and money after a partner dies

1. Check Bereavement Support Payment promptly

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is not means-tested. A key condition is that you were under State Pension age when your partner died; this is about your age at the date of death, not your age when applying. Other rules include your relationship and your partner’s National Insurance record or a work-related death. Cohabiting partners with dependent children may qualify under the current rules, which were extended on 9 February 2023; the eligibility conditions and any backdating rules depend on when the partner died. Make a note of the date of death and ask the Bereavement Service or an independent adviser to check eligibility rather than assuming you cannot claim.

2. Understand the rates and claim window

For deaths on or after 6 April 2017, GOV.UK lists a higher-rate lump sum of £3,500 followed by 18 monthly payments of £350, or a lower-rate lump sum of £2,500 followed by 18 payments of £100. The higher rate depends on circumstances such as a dependent child or pregnancy. Claim within three months to receive the full amount; later claims may receive fewer monthly payments, and the usual last date is 21 months after the death. If you are close to that deadline, get help with the claim immediately.

3. Ask what happens to State and workplace pensions

Your own State Pension may be recalculated after bereavement, and in some cases you may inherit part of a late partner’s additional State Pension or protected payment. The rules depend on when each of you reached State Pension age and your National Insurance record. Contact the Pension Service rather than estimating from a bank statement. Ask each workplace or personal pension scheme what survivor’s pension, lump sum or guarantee may apply, how to claim it and what documents are needed. Keep copies of letters and note the name of the scheme contact.

4. Tell benefit and council-tax offices about the change

A household income change can affect Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Ask each office to reassess your current award; do not assume one notification updates every benefit. A single adult household may qualify for a 25% Council Tax discount, but eligibility and household circumstances matter. Council Tax is administered locally, so ask the relevant council to apply its rules and reassess your bill. If the home is jointly owned or rented, ask what needs to change and whether any support is available while accounts are updated. Tell Us Once can notify several government departments about a death, but it does not replace contact with every council, pension scheme, bank or insurer.

5. Handle bank accounts carefully

Ask the bank what happens to a joint account and which bills will continue. A joint account may remain accessible to the surviving account holder, but the bank will explain its process and may change how it is operated. Sole accounts are usually frozen after notification while the estate is dealt with; do not use another person’s card, PIN or online login. Keep essential bills, rent or mortgage payments in view and ask the bank how to avoid missed payments. Get advice if ownership, debts or the estate are disputed.

6. Look at funeral-cost help and keep a paper trail

If you are arranging a funeral and receive a qualifying benefit, you may be able to apply for Funeral Expenses Payment in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Scotland has Funeral Support Payment. Eligibility is not automatic and the payment may not cover all costs. Keep invoices, claim references and copies of death certificates together. A calendar of deadlines can make follow-up manageable. Ask for letters in an accessible format and allow someone to support calls only with your permission.

Common questions