Bereavement Support Payment
(BSP)
Bereavement Support Payment is a benefit for people whose spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner with children dies and who were under State Pension age at the time. It consists of an initial lump sum (£3,500 or £500 depending on whether the claimant has children) followed by up to 18 monthly payments. Claims must be made within 21 months of the death to receive the full amount.
Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) comes in two rates. The higher rate — a £3,500 lump sum plus 18 monthly payments of £350 — applies where the claimant is entitled to Child Benefit or was pregnant at the time of death. The lower rate — £2,500 lump sum plus 18 monthly payments of £100 — applies in all other cases. A landmark February 2023 court ruling extended eligibility to unmarried cohabiting partners where there are dependent children. BSP is tax-free and does not affect most other benefits. Timing is critical: claiming within three months of death maximises back-pay; the absolute deadline is 21 months after the death, after which no claim is possible. For the deceased's National Insurance contributions to qualify, they must have paid at least 25 weeks' worth at any point.