This is a one-off, tax-free lump sum sum payment of £2,000 which is payable immediately to help with costs arising on bereavement. It can be paid in addition to Widowed Parent's Allowance or Bereavement Allowance.
This is a weekly benefit payable to widows and widowers aged 45 or over without dependent children. It is payable for 52 weeks following the date of widowhood. The weekly rate of Bereavement Allowance payable to a widow or widower aged between 45 and 54 is related to their age at the date of entitlement.
This is a weekly benefit payable to widowed parents who satisfy the qualifying conditions.
In recognition that some deceased husbands or wives were unable to work because they were caring for their family, there is flexibility called Home Responsibility Protection (HRP). This can be awarded for years in which people did not work due to family caring responsibilities, and reduces the number of years needed for eligibility.
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You cannot get Widowed Parent's Allowance and Bereavement Allowance at the same time |
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If you were over State Pension age when you were widowed, you may get extra State Pension based on your husband's or wife's NI contributions |
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If your husband or wife died as a result of their job, you may be able to get bereavement benefits if they did not pay enough NI |
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You cannot get bereavement benefits if you were divorced from your husband or wife |
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You cannot get bereavement benefits if you remarry or if you live with a partner as if you are married to them (in Scotland, special habit and repute provisions apply) |
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Bereavement benefits are not affected if you work |
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With the exception of bereavement payments, claims should be made straight away |
All Benefits are subject to certain criteria and eligibility and there is a general time limit of 3 months for claiming Social Security payments.
Forms and further information are available from your local Jobcentre Plus, Social Security Office. The form can be also found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/bb1_print.pdf.