Financial help for the bereaved
A death in the family can cause money problems for those who are left. Whether the problems are short or long term, there is financial help available.
Bereavement Support Payment
Bereavement Support Payment gives financial help to deal with the more immediate costs caused by the death of a spouse or civil partner.
Funeral Expenses Payment
If you're on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you are arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund. You might have to repay some or all of it from the deceased person’s estate.
Child Funeral Fund
The Child Funeral Fund is available as a one-off lump sum payment to cover the expense of a funeral for the death of a child under the age of 18, or stillborn after week 24 of pregnancy.
There is no entitlement to the Child Funeral Fund where a payment has already been made for the expenses associated with the cost of the funeral by any other Government funeral expenses or bereavement schemes.
State Pension
If both you and your husband, wife or civil partner were getting the basic state pension when they died, you may be able to use their National Insurance contributions to get extra basic pension.
Industrial Injuries Benefit
If your husband, wife or civil partner was disabled as a result of an industrial accident or disease that occurred before their death and was not getting Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, you may be able to claim it for a period before their death.
War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
You may be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension if your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty's (HM) Armed Forces or during a time of war.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is for UK serving and former service personnel injured as a result of their service in His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Guardian's Allowance
Guardian's Allowance is a tax-free payment for people who are bringing up children whose parents have died.
Other benefits available
Other benefits and help are available depending on your circumstances.
You may be able to claim certain benefits and one-off payments if you lived with or were dependent on the deceased. Time limits may apply.
To have a benefit eligibility check carried out, contact ‘Make the Call’ or your local Jobs and Benefits Office.
Housing Benefit
If you're on a low income, whether you're working or not, and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent or rates, you may be able to get Housing Benefit, Lone Pensioner Allowance, or Rate Relief.