When a loved one has passed away, many people don’t know where to start handling the situation, and finances can seem especially overwhelming. However, did you know that if you have recently experienced a bereavement, you may be eligible for additional benefits and support from the Department of Work and Pensions?
Bereavement Support Payment
Following the death of a loved one, widows, widowers or surviving civil partners are entitled to a Bereavement Support Payment. The payment consists of a one-off lump sum and up to 18 monthly instalments.
The amount of payment you could get depends on how old you are when your spouse or partner died, but typically people on the standard payment rate receive a lump-sum of £2,500 and up to 18 monthly instalments of £100.
Higher rate Bereavement Support Payment
You are entitled to the higher rate payment if you:
- were pregnant at the time of your late spouse or partner’s death; or
- had a child living with you at the time of your late spouse or partner’s death
Those who are eligible for the higher rate will receive a lump sum of £3,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £350. Any Bereavement Support Payment you receive (standard or higher rate) is not included as income when working out your entitlement to other benefits.
Help with funeral costs
If you need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging, and you receive either:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- The disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment to help pay some of the costs for:
- burial or cremation fees
- travel to arrange or go to the funeral
- the cost of moving the body within the UK
death certificates or other documents
You may also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin