Who qualifies for a Bereavement Payment?
You can get Bereavement Payment if your late partner paid appropriate National Insurance contributions, or if his or her death was caused by their job. If you are over the state pensionable age at the time of your partner’s death, your deceased partner must not have been entitled to a category A Retirement Pension. Bereavement Payment is £2,000 tax-free (April 2010 rate). Payment is usually made directly into a bank account, building society account, Post Office account, or National Savings account. You should claim within 12 months of your partner’s death. When you claim, if entitled, you may also wish to claim for Widowed Parent’s Allowance or Bereavement Allowance at the same time.
