How Long Does It Take to Get Bereavement Support Payment? Navigating the Process

When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll is immense. Alongside the grief, there often comes a sudden and daunting array of administrative tasks and financial adjustments. One of the key concerns for many newly bereaved individuals in the UK is understanding the support available, particularly the Bereavement Support Payment (BSP). This payment is designed to offer a short-term financial lifeline, but a common and entirely valid question arises: “How long does it actually take to receive it?”

Navigating government benefits can often feel like wading through treacle. The process can seem opaque, and the wait for crucial funds, especially during a time of immense vulnerability, can add significant stress. This guide will demystify the Bereavement Support Payment, outlining the application process, typical timelines, and what you can do to ensure a smoother experience.

What is Bereavement Support Payment?

First, let’s clarify what BSP is. It’s a welfare benefit introduced in April 2017, replacing the older Bereavement Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, and Bereavement Payment. It’s paid in two parts: an initial lump sum, followed by up to 18 monthly payments. The amount you receive depends on whether you have dependent children.

• Higher rate (with children): £3,500 lump sum, then £350 per month for 18 months.
• Lower rate (without children): £2,500 lump sum, then £100 per month for 18 months.

It’s not means-tested, meaning your income or savings won’t affect your eligibility, and it’s tax-free.

Who is Eligible for Bereavement Support Payment?

To be eligible, you generally need to meet several criteria:

• You were under State Pension age when your husband, wife, or civil partner died.
• Your partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year, or they died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work.
• You are living in the UK or a country that pays certain benefits.
• You must claim within 12 months of your partner’s death, though you can claim up to 21 months after their death, but you will receive fewer monthly payments. The longer you wait, the more payments you might miss.

It’s important to note that you cannot claim BSP if you were divorced or if your civil partnership was dissolved when your partner died.

The Application Process: How to Apply

There are a few ways to apply for Bereavement Support Payment:

1. Online: This is often the quickest and most straightforward method. You can apply via the Gov.uk website.
2. By Phone: You can call the Bereavement Service helpline.
3. By Post: You can download a claim form (BS1) from Gov.uk and send it to the Bereavement Service.

Regardless of the method, you’ll need certain information to hand, such as:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Your partner’s National Insurance number.
• The date your partner died.
• Your bank or building society account details.
• The date you were married or formed a civil partnership.
• Details of any children you are claiming for.

Providing all necessary information accurately at the first attempt is crucial for preventing delays.

The Million-Dollar Question: How Long Does It Take?

This is where expectations need to be managed, as there isn’t a single definitive answer. Generally, once your application is submitted and all required information is processed, the initial lump sum payment is often received relatively quickly.

• Initial Lump Sum: Many applicants report receiving the initial lump sum within a few days to a couple of weeks after their application is approved. This speed is often dependent on the completeness and accuracy of the application, and whether any further information is needed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you apply online and all details match up, the system can process it quite efficiently. For phone or postal applications, the process may naturally take a little longer due to processing times.
• Monthly Payments: The subsequent monthly payments will then follow after the initial lump sum. These are typically paid directly into your bank account on a regular schedule (usually weekly or every four weeks), depending on how the DWP sets up your payments.

Factors That Can Affect the Timeline

While the DWP aims for efficiency, several factors can influence how long it takes to receive your BSP:

• Accuracy of Application: Errors, omissions, or missing information on your application form are the most common reasons for delays. Double-check everything before submitting.
• Method of Application: Online applications are generally faster than phone or postal ones, as they can be processed more digitally.
• Volume of Applications: During peak times or periods of increased demand, processing times might be slightly extended.
• Complexity of Case: If your partner’s National Insurance contributions record needs extensive checking, or if there are unusual circumstances, it might take longer.
• Need for Additional Information: The DWP may need to contact you for further details or clarification. Responding promptly to these requests is vital.
• Verification Checks: Standard verification checks are conducted to confirm eligibility, and while usually quick, they can occasionally flag issues that require more in-depth investigation.

What You Can Do to Speed Things Up (or Prevent Delays)

1. Apply as Soon as Possible: To receive the full amount of Bereavement Support Payment, claims should ideally be submitted within three months of your partner’s death. While you have up to 21 months to claim, any application made after three months will result in fewer monthly payments.
2. Gather All Information First: Before you start the application, have all the necessary documents and details ready, as listed above.
3. Apply Online: If possible, use the online application portal on Gov.uk.
4. Double-Check Everything: Review your application thoroughly for any mistakes or missing fields before submitting.
5. Keep Records: Make a note of when you applied, any reference numbers, and the dates of any communication with the DWP.
6. Respond Promptly: If the DWP contacts you for more information, provide it as quickly as you can.
7. Be Patient but Persistent: If you experience significant delays beyond the typical timeframe and haven’t heard anything, don’t hesitate to call the Bereavement Service helpline to enquire about the status of your application.

Beyond the Payment: The Broader Picture

While Bereavement Support Payment offers a crucial financial bridge, it’s just one piece of the puzzle after a death. The administrative burden extends far beyond government benefits, encompassing a vast array of companies, accounts, and services that need to be notified, closed, or transferred. This includes banks, utility providers, insurance companies, pension funds, mobile phone contracts, social media accounts, and countless more.

Each notification often requires a separate phone call, a different form, or specific documents, leading to hours of repetitive, emotionally draining work for the bereaved. This administrative aftermath can feel like a secondary wave of grief, adding practical stress to an already overwhelming time.

Conclusion

Understanding the typical timelines for Bereavement Support Payment can provide some much-needed clarity during a very difficult period. While the initial lump sum can often be received within a few weeks of a complete application, being prepared and proactive in your submission is key to a smooth process. Remember that this payment is designed to help ease the immediate financial pressures, allowing you a little more breathing space to grieve.

However, the financial aspects are only one part of the complex administrative challenge faced by the bereaved. Dealing with the myriad of companies that require notification can be an equally, if not more, daunting task.

Simplifying the Aftermath of Loss

For those navigating the often-overwhelming process of notifying various companies after a bereavement, there are services designed to significantly ease this burden. Life Ledger provides a centralised platform that allows you to inform over 1,000 UK companies – ranging from banks, insurers, and pension providers to gas, water, telecoms, and social media – all from one single point. This can save invaluable time and emotional energy, removing the need to have the same difficult conversations repeatedly. If you or someone you know is facing this administrative challenge, you can discover how Life Ledger can help simplify these essential notifications. 

References:

https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment 

https://www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support 

https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/how-to-claim 

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/bereavement-support-payment/