When someone close to you dies, there may be many practical things to deal with on top of grief. You may be able to get some financial help. You might also need to consider other financial and legal matters such as their bank accounts, property and will.
Visit Carers UK for advice on financial, practical and emotional issues after a death.
For more information, view our bereavement page, or you can call our Stroke Support Helpline for more sources of help and advice, or if you just want to talk.
Bereavement Support Payment
This benefit is for people under State Pension age who have lost their spouse or civil partner. Some people who lived with a partner but were not married may also be able to claim it.
This benefit is not means-tested and you will not be taxed on it. To qualify, your partner must have paid enough National Insurance contributions, or have died due to a work-related accident or illness.
The benefit consists of a first payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. There is a higher rate for parents who are entitled to Child Benefit (or were pregnant when their partner died). The rates are:
- Higher rate first payment: £3,500.
- Monthly payments: £350.
- Standard rate first payment: £2,500.
- Monthly payments: £100.
How do I claim Bereavement Support Payments?
- If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, apply online or call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012, textphone 0800 731 0464.
- In Northern Ireland, visit apply online via NI Direct or call 0800 085 2463.
Parental Bereavement Leave and Statutory Pay
Parents who have lost a child, or experienced stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, have a right to paid time off work. You can take up to two weeks, either together or separately to your partner. You will receive Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay from your employer in the same way as your wages. The amount you receive will depend on your salary and your employment contract.
Your employer may have a parental bereavement policy giving information about leave and pay. Some employers offer schemes providing counselling and wellbeing support services to help you during a difficult time.
How do I claim Parental Bereavement leave and pay?
You need to tell your employer about your bereavement, and you will need to complete a declaration form online. Find more details and access the form via the government website.
Help with funeral costs
If you get certain benefits including Universal Credit, you can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment. This may help towards some of the costs of a funeral such as burial or cremation fees. You can apply after the person has died, up to six months after the funeral.
In Scotland, you can apply for a Funeral Support Payment instead.
How do I apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment?
- If you live in England or Wales, call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012, textphone 0800 731 0464.
- In Northern Ireland, call the Bereavement Service on 0800 085 2463.
- In Scotland, apply for a Funeral Support Payment online or call 0800 182 2222.