SE76173 - Social security benefits - Bereavement allowance

Section 39B Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992

Bereavement allowance (BA)

BA replaced widow's pension (WP) from 9 April 2001, except for claimants receiving WP before that date who continue to receive WP ( SE76178), rather than BA.

BA is a taxable weekly benefit paid only for 52 weeks following the death of a spouse or until the surviving spouse reaches state pension age - whichever comes first. It is payable to widows and widowers aged 45 and over without dependent children. If the surviving spouse has dependent children he/she may claim widowed parent's allowance ( SE76172).

BA is paid to

• a widow or widower aged 45 or over at the date of their spouse's death
• a widow or widower who is not in receipt of widowed parent's allowance.
  
  The amount of BA paid depends on the age of the claimant at the date of the spouse's death. For instance, in 2001/02 claimants aged 55 and over receive the full amount of £72.50 per week but this reduces to £21.75 for claimants aged 45. For current rates contact a Benefits Agency office.
  
  Once the amount of BA is determined it does not increase as the claimant gets older. Once the claimant reaches state pension age BA ceases and is replaced by state pension.