Losing a spouse or civil partner is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. Alongside the emotional weight of bereavement, there are immediate financial pressures: bills, mortgage payments, and day-to-day living costs that do not pause for grief.
Many people search for information about a “widow’s pension,” expecting to find a straightforward government payment. The reality is slightly more complex. The original Widow’s Pension no longer exists in its old form. It has been replaced by a modern benefit called Bereavement Support Payment (BSP), along with a small number of legacy schemes that remain active for older cases.
This guide explains exactly what you are entitled to, who qualifies, how much you can receive, and what other financial support is available after bereavement in the UK.
Widow’s Pension Explained – What You’re Entitled to After Bereavement
The term “widow’s pension” is still widely used, but it is no longer the official name for any active UK benefit. Bereavement Support Payment was introduced on 6 April 2017 to replace Bereavement Allowance (previously known as Widow’s Pension), Bereavement Payment, and in some circumstances, Widowed Parent’s Allowance.
Under the current system, what most people refer to as a widow’s pension is actually the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP), a tax-free benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides a lump sum followed by monthly payments for up to 18 months.
The key distinction by date of death:
| Date of Partner’s Death | Applicable Benefit |
| Before 9 April 2001 | Widow’s Pension (closed to new claims) |
| 9 April 2001 – 5 April 2017 | Bereavement Allowance / Widowed Parent’s Allowance |
| On or after 6 April 2017 | Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) |
BSP is paid on top of other earnings or benefits and is not means-tested, meaning whether you can get it, and how much you get is not affected by your income, savings, or investments.
Who Is Eligible for a Widow’s Pension in the UK?
Eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment depends on several clearly defined criteria set by the DWP.
You may be eligible if:
- You were married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting with the person who died
- You were under State Pension age when your partner died
- You were living in the UK (or a country that pays bereavement benefits)
- Your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any single tax year since April 1975, or died as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease
Important eligibility updates:
Cohabiting parents with dependent children are now eligible for Bereavement Support Payments thanks to a law change on 9 February 2023, which extended eligibility to unmarried parents for the first time, allowing for new claims and potentially backdated payments for those bereaved since 2001.
However, bereaved cohabiting partners without dependent children are not eligible for Bereavement Support Payment.
Who is not eligible:
- Those who had already reached State Pension age when their partner died
- Unmarried partners without dependent children
- Those whose partner did not meet the National Insurance contribution threshold
Understanding your eligibility ensures you get the right support. Check your status today to secure the financial benefits you and your family deserve.
How Much Is the Widow’s Pension? (Payment Rates 2026/27)
Bereavement Support Payment consists of a one-off lump sum followed by monthly payments for up to 18 months. There are two rates depending on whether you have dependent children.
Current BSP payment rates (2026/27):
| Rate | Lump Sum | Monthly Payment | Total Maximum |
| Higher rate (with dependent children) | £3,500 | £350 per month | £9,800 |
| Standard rate (no dependent children) | £2,500 | £100 per month | £4,300 |
BSP is completely tax-free. The lump sum is ignored for 52 weeks and the monthly payments are not included when calculating entitlement to means-tested benefits or the benefit cap.
For those still receiving legacy payments:
If you already receive Widowed Parent’s Allowance, applicable where the partner died before 6 April 2017, payments continue as long as you remain eligible. The maximum is £156.65 per week in 2026/27.
Bereavement Support Payment vs Old Widow’s Pension, What’s Changed?
Understanding the shift from the old widow’s pension system to the current BSP helps clarify what you can and cannot claim.
The old system (pre-2017):
- Widow’s Pension: Paid to women aged 45 or over whose husband died before April 2001. Payable until State Pension age or remarriage
- Bereavement Allowance: Replaced the Widow’s Pension in 2001. Paid weekly for up to 52 weeks to those aged 45 or over without dependent children
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance: Weekly payments for bereaved parents with dependent children; still payable to existing claimants where the partner died before April 2017
- Bereavement Payment: A one-off £2,000 lump sum paid under the old system
Key differences between old and new:
| Feature | Old System | Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) |
| Duration | Up to 52 weeks (Bereavement Allowance) | Up to 18 months |
| Gender | Originally women only | All genders equally |
| Means-tested | No | No |
| Tax | Taxable | Tax-free |
| Cohabiting couples | Not eligible | Eligible if dependent children |
| Minimum age | 45 (old Widow’s Pension) | No minimum age |
The shift to BSP simplified the system considerably, replacing three separate benefits with one streamlined payment structure.
How to Claim Your Widow’s Pension (Step-by-Step Application Guide)
Claiming Bereavement Support Payment is straightforward. Acting quickly is essential, you must claim the BSP monthly payments within three months of your partner’s death to qualify for the maximum 18-month period. You can claim up to 21 months after the date of death, but you will receive less money.
Step-by-step claim process:
Step 1 – Gather your documents You will need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your partner’s National Insurance number
- Your partner’s date of death
- Your bank or building society account details
- Death certificate (or reference number from the registrar)
Step 2 – Choose your application method
You can apply in three ways:
- Online: via GOV.UK (trial service available)
- By phone: Call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012 (Monday to Friday, 8 am–6 pm). Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
- By post: Download or request a BSP1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus
Step 3 – Submit within three months: To receive the full 18 monthly payments, submit your application within three months of the date of death. Late applications (up to 21 months) still receive the lump sum but fewer monthly payments.
Step 4 – Await DWP confirmation: The DWP will aim to make the first payment into your bank or building society account as soon as it can after receiving your application, usually a few weeks after submission.
Follow this step-by-step guide to claim your bereavement benefits quickly. Applying early ensures you receive the full support available to help manage your finances.
How Long Does the Widow’s Pension Last?
If eligible, you receive a one-off payment followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount depends on your circumstances and whether you have children.
Timeline of payments:
- Month 1: Lump sum paid (£2,500 standard / £3,500 higher rate)
- Months 1–18: Monthly payments (£100 or £350 depending on your rate)
- After 18 months: Payments stop completely
What affects the duration:
- Claiming after 3 months but within 21 months: You still receive the lump sum, but the number of monthly payments is reduced based on how late you claimed
- Claiming after 21 months: You will not normally qualify for any payment at all
- Reaching State Pension age during the payment period. Payments stop when you reach State Pension age
If you start a new marriage, civil partnership, or cohabiting relationship, your Bereavement Support Payment continues, it is not affected by your relationship status after payment begins.
Can You Work and Still Receive a Widow’s Pension?
Yes, and this is one of the key improvements BSP introduced over the old Widow’s Pension system.
Bereavement Support Payment is paid on top of other earnings or benefits. It is not means-tested, meaning whether you can get it and how much you get is not affected by your income, savings, or investments.
This means you can:
- Return to full-time or part-time work immediately after bereavement without losing BSP
- Continue receiving monthly payments regardless of your salary level
- Claim BSP alongside other benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
One important caveat on savings: After a year, any money you have left from your first lump sum payment will be taken into account if you make a claim for a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit. Plan your finances accordingly if you intend to apply for income-based support after the first year.
What Other Benefits Can Widows Claim in the UK?
Bereavement Support Payment is the primary financial support available after a partner’s death, but it is not the only one. Several additional benefits may be available depending on your circumstances.
- Universal Credit
You may be entitled to Universal Credit if you are below State Pension age and the loss of your partner’s income has taken you below the qualifying threshold. Universal Credit can help with living costs, housing, and childcare.
- Pension Credit
Widows are eligible to claim Pension Credit just like anyone else. Eligibility is based on your age and income, and you may also receive additional support if you are a carer, have a disability, or are responsible for a young person. Pension Credit is only available to those who have reached State Pension age.
- Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction
You might also qualify to claim other low-income benefits to top up your income, such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
- Funeral Expenses Payment
If you are struggling to pay for your partner’s funeral, Funeral Expenses Payment from the DWP may cover some costs, provided you are receiving a qualifying benefit. Note that BSP itself does not count as a qualifying benefit for this payment.
- Child Benefit
If you have dependent children, ensure Child Benefit is transferred into your name as soon as possible after bereavement, this also affects your BSP rate eligibility.
- Inherited State Pension
If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you could be entitled to receive a higher basic State Pension based on your spouse’s National Insurance record, assuming you’re receiving less than the full basic State Pension. You might also be able to inherit part of their additional State Pension if your marriage or civil partnership began before 6 April 2016.
Understanding your eligibility for these extra benefits helps ensure financial stability. Check with a local advisor today to claim all the support you deserve!
Final Thoughts
The widow’s pension as it once existed is gone, but the financial support available to bereaved spouses, civil partners, and qualifying cohabiting parents in the UK remains meaningful. Bereavement Support Payment provides tax-free, non-means-tested help during one of life’s most difficult periods. The most important action is to claim promptly, within three months of your partner’s death, to receive the full entitlement. Beyond BSP, explore Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit to ensure you are receiving every penny you are entitled to during this time.
FAQs
Does The Widow’s Pension Still Exist In The Uk?
The original Widow’s Pension no longer exists as an active benefit. It was replaced in 2001 by Bereavement Allowance, which itself was replaced in April 2017 by Bereavement Support Payment (BSP). If your partner died on or after 6 April 2017, BSP is the primary benefit available to you. Some people whose partners died before 2017 may still receive legacy payments such as Widowed Parent’s Allowance.
How Much Is The Bereavement Support Payment In 2026/27?
There are two rates. The higher rate, for those with dependent children, provides a £3,500 lump sum followed by £350 per month for up to 18 months, totalling £9,800. The standard rate, for those without dependent children, provides a £2,500 lump sum followed by £100 per month for 18 months, totalling £4,300. Both rates are completely tax-free.
Who Qualifies For Bereavement Support Payment?
You qualify if you were married, in a civil partnership, or a cohabiting parent with dependent children when your partner died; you were under State Pension age at the time; and your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in any tax year since 1975, or died as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease.
Can Unmarried Partners Claim Bereavement Support Payment?
Cohabiting partners with dependent children became eligible following a law change in February 2023. However, cohabiting partners without dependent children remain ineligible for BSP. This distinction has been subject to legal challenges but the law has not changed further as of 2026.
How Do I Claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You can claim online via GOV.UK, by phone on 0800 151 2012, or by post using a BSP1 form available from Jobcentre Plus. You need your National Insurance number, your partner’s National Insurance number, the date of death, and your bank account details. Claim within three months of the death to receive the full 18 monthly payments.
Does Bereavement Support Payment Affect Other Benefits?
BSP is not means-tested and does not reduce Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other means-tested benefits during the payment period. However, after 12 months, any remaining lump sum money could be counted as capital when applying for or renewing means-tested benefits. Monthly BSP payments are excluded from benefit cap calculations throughout.
What Happens To Bereavement Support Payment If I Remarry Or Start A New Relationship?
Your existing BSP payments continue even if you start a new marriage, civil partnership, or cohabiting relationship. BSP is not stopped or reduced based on changes to your relationship status after payments have begun. However, you cannot make a new BSP claim in relation to a different partner’s death if you are already receiving payments.
Can I Claim Both Bereavement Support Payment And Pension Credit?
Not simultaneously, because BSP is only available to those below State Pension age, while Pension Credit is only available to those who have reached State Pension age. The two benefits are mutually exclusive in timing. However, once your BSP payments end and you reach State Pension age, you may become eligible for Pension Credit based on your income and circumstances at that point.
