Bereavement Support Payment Calculator
Estimate your Bereavement Support Payment for 2025/26 — an initial lump sum plus up to 18 monthly payments, at the higher rate (with Child Benefit) or the standard rate.
Bereavement Support estimator
Lump sum + monthly payments (up to 18).
A guide only. Claim within 3 months and check the full rules on GOV.UK Bereavement Support Payment.
What is Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment helps with the immediate costs after the death of a husband, wife or civil partner. It replaced the older bereavement benefits in 2017. You receive a one-off lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments. There are two rates: a higher rate if you were getting (or entitled to) Child Benefit when your partner died, and a standard rate for everyone else who qualifies.
The higher rate is £3,500 plus £350 a month — up to £9,800 over 18 months. The standard rate is £2,500 plus £100 a month — up to £4,300. It is tax-free, and you should claim within 3 months to get the full number of monthly payments.
The two rates
| Rate | Lump sum | Monthly | Max total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher (with Child Benefit) | £3,500 | £350 | £9,800 |
| Standard | £2,500 | £100 | £4,300 |
Source: GOV.UK — Bereavement Support Payment, 2025/26.
Claim quickly and protect other benefits
Bereavement Support Payment is tax-free and is ignored as income for most means-tested benefits for 12 months — so it will not immediately reduce your Universal Credit or Pension Credit. To get all 18 monthly payments you should claim within 3 months of the death; claiming later still gives the lump sum but fewer monthly payments. If you have children, also review your Child Benefit entitlement.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Bereavement Support Payment?
The higher rate is a £3,500 lump sum plus £350 a month for up to 18 months. The standard rate is a £2,500 lump sum plus £100 a month for up to 18 months. You get the higher rate if you are entitled to Child Benefit.
Who qualifies for Bereavement Support Payment?
You may qualify if your spouse or civil partner died on or after 6 April 2017, you were under State Pension age when they died, and they paid enough National Insurance or died from a work-related cause. Since February 2023 cohabiting partners with children can also claim.
What is the difference between the higher and standard rate?
The higher rate (£3,500 + £350/month) is for people who were pregnant or entitled to Child Benefit when their partner died. Everyone else who qualifies gets the standard rate (£2,500 + £100/month).
Is Bereavement Support Payment taxable?
No. Bereavement Support Payment is tax-free and is ignored as income for most means-tested benefits for 12 months. You must claim within three months of the death to receive the full amount.
How long is Bereavement Support Payment paid?
It is one lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments. Claiming late reduces the number of monthly payments you receive, so claim within three months of the death where possible.