The loss of a loved one can leave families facing a period of financial hardship but there can be financial support following bereavement .
The State offers death benefits which could make things easier. There are currently three potential benefits available - Bereavement Payment, Bereavement Allowance & Widowed Parents Allowance.
Bereavement Payment:
If your spouse or civil partner has died you may be able to eligible for a Bereavement Payment. This is a one-off, tax-free, lump-sum payment of £2,000.
This is available to those under the State Pension age at the date of death and whose spouse or civil partner had paid their National Insurance contributions (NICs) or whose death was caused as the result of an industrial accident of disease.
This one off payment doesn't generally affect your entitlement to any other benefits but may reduce the amount of any means tested benefits which you receive.
Bereavement Allowance:
Bereavement allowance is a taxable weekly benefit available to a surviving spouse or civil partner. It can be claimed for up to 52 weeks from the date your spouse or civil partner died if you are widowed between 45 and state pension age.
If you were over state pension age when you were widowed or became a surviving civil partner you may be entitled to additional state pension. This is based on the NICs of your late spouse or civil partner.
The current rates for Bereavement Allowance ranges from £33.77 to £112.55 per week depending on your age at the time of death and the overall level of your spouse or civil partner's NICs.
Widowed Parents Allowance:
If you become widowed before reaching State Pension age and you have a dependent child you can claim Widowed Parent's Allowance. You can get this until you stop receiving Child Benefit. If this is within 52 weeks of the death, you may be entitled to transfer to Bereavement Allowance for the remainder of the 52 weeks. You can not claim both Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent's Allowance at the same time.
The amount of the award is based on how much your late spouse or civil partner paid in NICs. The maximum Widowed Parent's Allowance is £112.55 per week.
How to claim:
Any claim for Bereavement Allowance or Widowed Parent's Allowance must be made within three months of the date of death. A Bereavement Payment can be claimed up to 12 months following the death.
The Bereavement benefits claim form (Form BB1) can be ordered over the telephone from your local Jobcentre Plus Office or can be downloaded from the Department of Work and Pensions website. You will need the death certificate in order to make a claim.
If you need financial support following bereavement and require any assistance claiming bereavement benefit, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Private Client solicitors.
