Bereavement benefits can be paid to a man or woman whose spouse or civil partner has died. These benefits depend on the National Insurance contributions of the person who has died.

The following benefits are available:

• a bereavement payment of £2,000 at the time of your spouse or civil partner's death. You can claim this if you were under pension age when your husband, wife or civil partner died, or if your husband, wife or civil partner was not entitled to a state pension
   
• Widowed Parent's Allowance of £95.25 per week for widows or widowers under pension age who are bringing up children
   
• a Bereavement Allowance paid for up to 52 weeks for widows and widowers aged 45 and over but who are under pension age. The payments range from £28.58 to £88.58 depending on your age and the day your spouse or civil partner died.