Financial Support

There are a number of different benefits which may be payable after a bereavement, but the 3 main benefits for which you may be eligible if someone close to you has died are:

• Bereavement Payment – a one-off lump sum you claim when your spouse or civil partner dies.
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance if you have dependent children.
• Bereavement Allowance if you don’t have dependent children.

Although the above are separate benefits, you don’t have to apply more than once – you’ll be considered for all bereavement benefits when you apply for one.
In England and Wales you can claim for any of the above benefits, and tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about the death at the same time, by calling the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 169 0140.

The Bereavement Service can take your claim for bereavement benefits over the phone and do a benefits check to see if you qualify for any other benefits as a result of the death.
Alternatively, you can make a claim using Form BB1. You can get the form from your local Jobcentre Plus office or, in England, Wales and Scotland, from the GOV.UK website
In addition, if you are on a very low income you may be able to make a claim to the Social Fund to cover the costs of the funeral.

To find out more please visit the links below:

https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-payment
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-expenses-claim-form