How do I claim Bereavement Support Payment?
England, Scotland and Wales
Telephone claim
DWP Bereavement Service:
Tel: 0800 731 0469
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Tel: 0800 731 0453 (Welsh)
Textphone: 0800 731 0456 (Welsh).
Paper claim
Download a claim form from the Gov.UK website
Northern Ireland
Telephone claim
NI Bereavement Service: 0800 085 2463
Paper claim
Download a claim form from the NI Direct website
Telephone your local Social Security/Jobs and Benefits Office
What documents will I need to claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You must send originals of the following documents to support your claim (or show them at your local Jobcentre Plus office):
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Your birth certificate
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Your marriage or civil partnership certificate
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Your husband's, wife's or civil partner's certificate of registration of death.
If you do not have this evidence, you should not delay claiming.
When will my Bereavement Support Payment claim begin?
Your claim will start on the date your spouse or civil partner died if your claim is received at the benefit office within three months from the date you are bereaved.
If three months or more have passed since your spouse or civil partner died, the date of claim will be backdated three months from the date your form is received at the benefit office.
If more than 18 months have passed since your spouse or civil partner has died and you have not made a claim, you will not be entitled to receive a Bereavement Support Payment.
Change of circumstances
Payment will continue even if you re-marry, enter a civil partnership or start cohabiting.
You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit.
Reviewed: April 2021