Reg. 07380272 · England & Wales · Est. 2010
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Lump Sum
£2,500.00
Monthly Payment
£100.00
Total (18 months)
£4,300.00
Month 1
Lump sum of £2,500.00 + first monthly payment of £100.00
Months 2-18
£100.00 per month
Higher Rate
For claimants with dependent children or who are pregnant.
Standard Rate
For claimants without dependent children and not pregnant.
Everything you need to know about BSP in the UK
Who can claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) if your husband, wife, or civil partner died and they paid enough National Insurance contributions (or their death was caused by an industrial accident or disease). You must have been married or in a civil partnership with the deceased at the time of their death, and you must be under State Pension age. Co-habiting partners who were not married or in a civil partnership are not eligible for BSP.
What are the higher and standard rates?
BSP is paid at two rates. The higher rate applies if you are pregnant or have dependent children: a lump sum of £3,500.00 followed by 18 monthly payments of £350.00. The standard rate applies if you do not have dependent children and are not pregnant: a lump sum of £2,500.00 followed by 18 monthly payments of £100.00. Dependent children means you are receiving or entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child.
How long do payments last?
BSP consists of an initial lump sum payment followed by 18 monthly payments. The first monthly payment is usually made at the same time as the lump sum. Payments continue for 18 months from the date of your spouse's or civil partner's death, regardless of any change in your circumstances during that period (such as starting a new relationship or your children leaving home). If you claim late, backdated payments may be included in your first payment.
Does BSP affect other benefits?
No, Bereavement Support Payment is not counted as income for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. It is also completely tax-free — you do not need to declare it on your Self Assessment tax return. This means receiving BSP will not reduce any other benefits you are claiming or increase your tax bill.
How do I claim?
You can claim BSP online via GOV.UK, by phone through the Bereavement Service helpline (0800 731 0469), or by completing a paper form (BSP1) and posting it to the DWP. You should claim within 3 months of the date of death to receive the full amount. If you claim later, you can still receive BSP but may lose some monthly payments — you must claim within 21 months of the date of death or you will not be able to claim at all.
HMRC-Aligned: This calculator uses official DWP rates for the 2025/26 tax year. Bereavement Support Payment is tax-free and does not affect your entitlement to other benefits. For advice on your specific circumstances, contact the DWP Bereavement Service or consult a qualified benefits adviser.
This calculator uses official rates and thresholds from:
Last verified: February 2026 · Tax year 2025/26. Results are indicative — consult a qualified accountant for personalised advice.
Reviewed by M. Samiuddin Quadri, ACCA — Chartered Certified Accountant at Gladstone & Co. · Updated for the 2025/26 tax year.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms