Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension is a social insurance payment for both widows and widowers. It is not means-tested, and therefore entitlement is not affected by other income you might have such as earnings, an occupational pension or a pension from your late spouse's employment.This pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income.
If you are widowed and aged under 66 with qualified children and you do not qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, you should apply for a One-Parent Family Payment.
If you are widowed and do not qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension based on either your own or your late spouse's insurance record, you may qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension. This is a means-tested payment and we take account of any income you have when deciding if you qualify.
If you have qualified children, you may qualify for a One-Parent Family Payment which is also means-tested .
If your late spouse/civil partner died as a result of an occupational injury or prescribed occupational disease or had been in receipt of a Disablement Pension for loss of half their physical or mental abilities, you may have an entitlement to Death Benefit instead of a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension.
Bereavement Grant
The Bereavement grant has been discontinued and is no longer available. You may be eligible for assistance towards funeral expenses from the Community Welfare Service but please note that these payments are means tested.
A Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant is a once-off payment for widows, widowers and surviving civil partners with qualified children, to provide income support after the death of their spouse/civil partner.
If someone dies at work, a 'Special Funeral Grant' is available under the Occupational Injuries Benefits scheme.