Benefits - Bereavement Allowance

If you have recently been widowed you may be able to claim Bereavement Allowance, the taxable weekly benefit paid to you for up to 52 weeks from the date of death of your husband, wife or civil partners.

You may be able to claim Bereavement Allowance if you meet all of the criteria:

• You were 45 or over when your husband, wife or civil partner died
• You're under State Pension age
• Your late husband, wife or civil partner paid National Insurance contributions (NICs), or they died as a result of an industrial accident or disease
• You are not bringing up children

Contact the Welfare support team for advice and support on making a claim

0800 090 1004

You can request a bereavement benefits pack from your local Job Centre Plus office

You can also make a claim by calling the Bereavement Service helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0469
• Textphone: 0800 731 0464

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

The Scottish Government booklet "What to do after a death in Scotland” gives practical advice for bereaved people. You can also get a copy by telephoning 0131 244 2193.