Financial support for those left behind


There are three types of bereavement benefit available.

Funeral Payment from the Social Fund.

You may be able to get a Funeral Payment but it depends on the benefits you're getting, your relationship with the person who died and any other money, other than your personal savings, that may be available to help with the cost of the funeral.

SF200 CLAIM FORM

Bereavement Payment

This is a single tax-free sum of £2000 payable to you after your husband, wife or civil partner has died.

This benefit depends on your age and national insurance contributions of your spouse/civil partner.

Widowed Parents' Allowance or Bereavement Allowance

These may be claimed by a bereaved spouse or civil partner.

It is not possible to claim both.

Eligibility is determined by the age of the claimant, age of dependent children and national insurance history of the deceased person.

All of these benefits have to be claimed within 3 months of the death.
War Widow's pension - call the Veterans Agency helpline 0800 169 2277 to find out whether you are eligible
State Second pension - for more information call the Pension Service on 0845 60 60 265 (0845 60 60 275 if you are Welsh speaking and resident in Wales)

Pension Credit - if you are aged over 60, you can claim additional money to ensure a minimum income and if you already have savings you may be eligible for a savings credit. For more information, call The Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 13:00) If you are in Northern Ireland, call 0808 100 6165 (Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 20:00)

Other Benefits:

Your local Job Centre Plus can advise on eligibility for other benefits for people with low incomes, disabilities or caring for others.

Job Centre Plus (Social Security Offices) - Fareham

Crown Buildings, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7HR

Office Tel: 01329 243700

Call:
  • Monday and Tuesday: 8.30am to 4.00pm
  • Wednesday: 10.00am to 4.00pm
  • Thursday and Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm

Office Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 3.45pm, Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm