Widow’s Pension And Bereavement Allowance in the UK

March 2024

A Guide to Widow’s Pensions And The Bereavement Allowance In The UK | March 2024

In the UK, the widows pension system, previously known as widow’s allowance or widow’s benefit, is a significant source of financial support for those who have lost a spouse or civil partner. 

The system has been reformed over time to better cater to the needs of the bereaved, now known as the bereavement support payment. Read this article to understand the Widow’s pension and how you can benefit from it.

Topics that you will find covered on this page

1. Understanding the Concept of Widow’s Pension

The widow’s pension, now known as the bereavement support payment, was initially designed to provide financial aid to widows and widowers following the death of their spouse or civil partner whom they were financially dependent on. 

This may reduce the amount of financial hardship without them, covering the immediate costs associated with the death of a spouse or civil partner. This provides immediate financial support and extra money at a time when it’s most needed.

The help of the pension can include funeral costs, legal fees, and other expenses that need to be dealt with straight away. 

The current bereavement support payment is not a pension in the traditional sense, and is not reduced based on other income or savings. Instead, it is a series of payments made to the surviving spouse or civil partner. These payments consist of an initial lump sum and are followed by up to 18 monthly payments. 

2. Eligibility Criteria for Widow’s Pension in the UK

To be eligible for the bereavement support payment in the UK, one must meet several criteria. Firstly, the deceased partner must have paid national insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks, or have died as a result of an accident at work or a disease caused by work. 

Furthermore, when the spouse or civil partner died, the survivor must have been under state pension age and living in the UK.

The surviving partner must also not be in prison when they claim bereavement support payments. If they are in prison, they may still be able to claim, but the payments may be delayed until their release. 

Thirdly, the survivor must also not have been divorced from their partner at the time of the partner’s death.If the surviving partner was living with their partner at the time of their death, but they were not married or in a civil partnership, they may still be able to claim bereavement support payment. 

However, the couple will need to provide proof that they were cohabiting and that they were financially dependent on their partner.

3. How to Apply for Widow’s Pension

To apply for the bereavement payment, one needs to fill out a BSP1 form and send it to the Bereavement Service. 

The form can be downloaded from the government’s website or can be obtained from a local Jobcentre Plus. This form must be made within three months of the partner’s death to get the full amount.

The BSP1 form asks for information about the claimant and their deceased partner., including their national insurance numbers, information about their marriage or civil partnership, and information about any children they have. The form also asks about the deceased partner’s work history and any national insurance contributions they made, ensuring  that the widow receives the appropriate support.

Once the form has been filled out, it needs to be sent to the local Bereavement Service. The address is on the form. It’s important to keep a copy of the form and any documents sent with it in case they’re needed at a later date. After the claim has been made, the claimant will receive a letter which details how much they will receive and when the payments will start.

4. Calculation of Widow’s Pension Amount 

The amount of bereavement support payment a person can receive depends on several factors including the age of the surviving partner, whether they have children, and whether the deceased partner had paid enough national insurance contributions. 

If the surviving partner has reached state pension age or in retirement, they will not be eligible for bereavement support payment. However, they may be able to claim bereavement allowance or Widowed Parent’s Allowance if they have children who are eligible for child benefit.

The bereavement support payment is made up of first payment and up to 18 monthly extra payments. The initial support  is £2,500 for those without children and a higher rate of £3,500 for those with children. Whilst the following monthly payments are £100 for those without children, they are £350 for those with children.

5. Changes in Widow’s Pension Over Time

The widow’s pension system has undergone significant changes over time. The most notable change is the shift from the previously ‘widow’s pension’ to the ‘bereavement support payment’ in 2017. This change was made to provide immediate financial support to the bereaved, rather than a long-term pension.

The bereavement support payment system is simpler than the old widow’s pension system. It is easier to understand and claim, which is crucial at a time of grief. The payments are also tax-free, easing financial stress and providing additional support.

However, the conversation around the shift from the widow’s pension to the bereavement support payment has been controversial. 

There have been concerns that the new system is less generous, particularly for younger people or those who have children. Despite these concerns, the government has maintained that the new system is fairer, more streamlined and more straightforward.

6. Widow’s Pension and Other Benefits

The bereavement support payment does not affect the claimant’s entitlement to other means-tested benefits. This means that claiming other benefits, such as housing benefit or income support, may mean that you can still receive the full bereavement support payment.

However, the bereavement support payment is included as income in relation to the benefit cap, limiting the total amount of benefits a person can receive. 

If a person is receiving the maximum amount of other benefits, the bereavement support payment could take them over the cap income, reducing their other benefits and possibly the overall financial support received.

If a person is unsure about how the bereavement support payment will affect their other benefits, they should seek advice from a financial adviser or a benefits adviser. This can be done by contacting your local Bereavement Service helpline for more information.

7. Tax Implications of Receiving Widow’s Pension

One of the key benefits of the bereavement support payment is that it is tax-free. This means that the payment does not have to be declared on a tax return, meaning that tax payments will remain unaffected. 

This is a significant benefit, particularly for those who are on a low income or who are struggling financially. The tax-free status of the payment works to ease financial pressure when facing personal stresses in bereavement.

However, while the bereavement support payment itself is tax-free, it can affect the amount of tax a person has to pay on other income. If a person is receiving other income, such as a salary or a pension, the bereavement support payment could push them into a higher tax bracket. 

This could mean they have to pay more tax on their other income. This is important to weigh up when considering the benefits of bereavement support, understanding whether the scheme provides support to your personal financial situation.

8. Challenges Faced by Widow’s Pension Recipients 

While the bereavement support payment can provide much-needed financial support, there can be challenges for those who receive it. One of the main challenges is the short-term nature of the payment. The payment is made for up to 18 months, after which the financial support ends.

Although this offers a chance of financial support immediately after the death, this can be difficult for those who are struggling financially, particularly for those who are financially dependent on their deceased partner. 

Unless individuals can find other sources of income or support after the bereavement support payment ends, they may face financial hardship 

Another challenge is the complexity of the benefits system. While the bereavement support payment is designed to be simple and straightforward, it can still be confusing for those who are not familiar with the system. This can make it difficult for people to recognise their entitlement and how to claim the necessary support. 

You can visit your local Bereavement Service website for more information on what your personal circumstances could entitle you to.

9. Legal Rights of Widows for Pension 

In the UK, widows have legal rights to their deceased partner’s pension, including state and private pensions. This means that If the deceased partner had a state pension, the surviving partner may be able to inherit some or all of it.

If the deceased partner had a private pension, the surviving partner may also be entitled to a share of it. This will depend on the terms of the pension scheme. 

Occasionally, the surviving partner may be able to receive a lump sum or a regular income from the pension.

However, the rules around pensions can be complex, and the surviving partner may need to seek legal advice. It is advisable to contact the Pension Service for more information which is specific to your situation.

10. Future Reforms and Widow’s Pension

The government is continually reviewing the bereavement support payment system to ensure it meets the needs of the bereaved. There may be future reforms to the system, just like there have been changes in the past. However, no specific changes have been currently announced.

One area that has been criticised is the eligibility criteria. There have been calls for the bereavement support payment to be extended to cohabiting couples who are not married or in a civil partnership. This could provide much-needed financial support for those who are currently ineligible for the payment, but who still financially depend on their partner.

Another area for potential reform is the length of the payment period. There have been suggestions that the payment period could be extended beyond 18 months to provide longer-term support for the bereaved. 

This would greatly benefit those struggling with the short-term nature of the payments. However, it is important to carefully consider any changes to the system to ensure that they are fair for all and affordable.

11. Understanding Widower’s Pension and Widow’s Pension

The widower’s pension, just like the widow’s pension, has been replaced by the bereavement support payment. 

This change ensures that both widows and widowers, essentially all surviving spouses and civil partners, are catered for equally.

The bereavement support payment focuses on the needs of the bereaved person, designed to provide financial support regardless of gender.

12. The Role of Age and Bereavement Benefits

Age plays a significant role in bereavement benefits. The surviving spouse or civil partner must be under the state pension age to qualify for the bereavement support payment.

Once they reach state pension age, they are no longer eligible for bereavement support payment. However, they may be eligible for other bereavement benefits such as the bereavement allowance.

This is payable for up to one tax year, depending on whether the surviving spouse or civil partner is between 45 and state pension age.

13. Additional State Pension and Job-Related Death Benefits

Sometimes, a person may be eligible for an Additional State Pension, based on their deceased partner’s National Insurance contributions. This pension is paid on top of the basic State Pension and can provide further financial support to those who have lost their spouse or civil partner.

Furthermore, suppose a partner’s death was job-related.

In that case, the surviving individual may be eligible for additional benefits, such as a tax-free lump sum payment or a higher Bereavement Support payment rate.

Investigating all potential sources of financial support following a partner’s death is essential, as they may significantly impact one’s financial situation.

14. Civil Partnerships and Widows Pensions

Civil partnerships are treated equally to marriages regarding Widows Pension and bereavement benefits.

This means that individuals in civil partnerships have the same rights and entitlements to financial support following the death of their partner as those who are married.

If a civil partner dies, the surviving individual may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment, Bereavement Allowance, or Widowed Parent’s Allowance, depending on their circumstances.

The eligibility criteria, application process, and potential impact on existing benefits are the same as for married couples.

15. Changes in Bereavement Benefits Over Time

It is essential to stay informed about any changes to the bereavement benefits system, as updates may affect an individual’s eligibility or the amount they receive.

Our analysis shows that the UK government has made significant alterations to the system over time, with the introduction of Bereavement Support Payment in 2017 being a notable example.

Based on our research, we recommend regularly checking the government website or contacting the Bereavement Service Helpline for the most up-to-date information on Widows Pension and related benefits.

Staying informed can help ensure that those who have lost a partner receive the full financial support from their UK state pension spouse entitlement.

16. Claiming Bereavement Support Payments

When a partner has died, it is essential to take prompt action to claim bereavement support payments. Our analysis shows that the process can be complex, requiring the completion of necessary paperwork and submission to the appropriate authorities, such as the Pension Service.

The first payment typically arrives within the first tax year following the partner’s death, providing much-needed financial assistance during a challenging period.

It is crucial to understand the application process and submit the required documentation promptly to receive benefits and any extra payments to which one may be entitled.

17. Widow Claiming Pension Credit and Widowed Parent’s Allowance

Widows who meet specific eligibility criteria may be able to claim Pension Credit, which can provide additional financial support on top of bereavement benefits.

Claiming Pension Credit can benefit those no longer eligible for other means-tested benefits.

Similarly, the Widowed Parent’s Allowance is available for parents with dependent children who have lost their spouse or civil partner.

To receive these benefits, it is crucial to understand the application process and submit the required documentation promptly. The allowances can offer vital support during a distressing time.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the widower’s pension and the widow’s pension?

Previously, the widow’s pension was a term used to describe the financial support provided to widows. However, the system has been reformed and is now known as the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP).

This change ensures that all surviving spouses and civil partners have equal access to financial support following the death of a spouse or partner. The system now prioritises gender equality and focuses on the needs of the bereaved individual, regardless of their gender identity.

2. What happens to the bereavement support payment when a civil partner dies?

If a civil partner dies, the surviving partner may be eligible for the bereavement support payment (BSP). The BSP is a larger first payment followed by monthly payment up to 18 months afterward, designed to provide support during the difficult period following a partner’s death.

However, the eligibility for this payment depends on following criteria, including the age of the surviving partner, whether they have children and the deceased’s national insurance contributions. 

3. How does reaching the state pension age affect my bereavement benefits?

Reaching the state pension age means the surviving partner is no longer eligible to claim BSP. However, they may qualify for other bereavement benefits such as the bereavement allowance, which is another form of financial support involving one tax free lump sum payment after their spouse or civil partner passes.

4. What is the relationship between the bereavement support payment and means-tested benefits?

The bereavement support payment does not affect your entitlement to other means-tested benefits, which are determined by income and savings.

This means that an individual can receive the full amount of bereavement support payment , regardless of whether they are claiming other benefits like housing benefit or income support. However, whilst the BSP itself is not means-tested, it does count as income for the benefit cap. This limits the total amount of benefits a person can receive.

5. How can I claim the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP)?

To claim the bereavement support payment (BSP), one must fill out a BSP1 form and send it to your local Bereavement Service.

The form can be downloaded from the government’s website or obtained from a local Jobcentre Plus and the claim must be made within three months of the partner’s death.

Although you can apply for up to 21 months after the partner passed,  you will receive fewer monthly payments.

It also requires information of the claimant and their deceased partner, their marriage or civil partnership, their children, and the deceased partner’s work history and national insurance contributions.

Meet the author

William Jackson

William is a leading writer for our site, specialising in both finance and health sectors.

With a keen analytical mind and an ability to break down complex topics, William delivers content that is both deeply informative and accessible. His dual expertise in finance and health allows him to provide a holistic perspective on topics, bridging the gap between numbers and wellbeing. As a trusted voice on the UK Care Guide site, William’s articles not only educate but inspire readers to make informed decisions in both their financial and health journeys.

UK Care Guide - A trusted resource

Share this page