Losing a loved one, whether a partner, close friend or family member, is a traumatic experience. This might be very challenging if you’re also trying to make ends meet on less money. Whether you were married, in a civil partnership, or living with the deceased person determines what kind of support you may be eligible for.

Those who have died from the loss of a wife or civil partner are eligible for bereavement benefits. Your eligibility for benefits depends on your age, whether you have dependent children, and if the deceased paid adequate National Insurance contributions. In addition, if you and your spouse or civil partner were eligible for Marriage Allowance beginning in April 2015, but neither of you filed a claim before one of you passed away, you may qualify for up to four years of retroactive payments.

The new payment system replaces Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, and Bereavement Payment. You can receive the benefit at two rates based on your childcare responsibilities. To claim for Bereavement Support Payment, you must be under State Pension. To qualify, your spouse / civil partner must have paid NI contributions for at least 25 weeks. It’s possible that your husband’s, wife’s, or civil partner’s National Insurance payments won’t count if they died from workplace accidents. Bereavement Support Payment ends eighteen months from the date of your spouse’s or civil partner’s death. You should file your claim asap to prevent your payment from being delayed.

The Bereavement Support Payment consists of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount you receive depends on whether you have children under the age of 20 in full-time education and your age at the time of your spouse or civil partner’s death. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need assistance with your claim, it’s a good idea to seek help from a welfare rights adviser, a local Citizens Advice Bureau, or another qualified professional.