Bereavement Support Payment, Funeral Expenses Payment, Council Tax discounts, Pension Credit, and more — what you may be entitled to and how to claim.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Support & Benefits guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 18 min.
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Yes — you have up to 21 months from the date of death to make a claim. However, if it has been more than 3 months, you will no longer be eligible for the full lump sum and all 18 monthly payments. You may still receive the lump sum if it has been under 12 months, and some monthly payments regardless. Claim as soon as possible to maximise what you receive.
Possibly. Cohabiting partners may be eligible for BSP, but only if you were getting Child Benefit for a child living with you, were entitled to Child Benefit even if you did not claim it, or were pregnant when your partner died. If none of these apply, you are unlikely to be eligible for BSP — but you may still be entitled to other benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit depending on your circumstances.
No. Funeral Expenses Payment covers specific costs in full (burial or cremation fees, the doctor's certificate, travel) plus up to £1,000 for other costs. It will not cover the full cost of most funerals. Any money from the deceased's estate will also be deducted. It is a contribution, not a full reimbursement — but it can still make a meaningful difference if you are on a qualifying benefit.
Yes. Tell Us Once notifies government departments of the death and stops payments to the deceased. It does not automatically start any new payments or benefits for you. You will need to contact the DWP separately to claim Bereavement Support Payment, check your State Pension entitlement, and apply for any other benefits you may now be eligible for.
Not necessarily. Pension Credit can still be worth checking after bereavement. For 2026/27, Guarantee Credit tops up a single person's weekly income to £238. Even if your income is above that, you may still qualify because of disability, caring responsibilities, savings credit, housing costs, or a child or young person living with you. Use the Pension Credit calculator at GOV.UK or call 0800 99 1234.
No — not immediately. An empty property that forms part of a deceased person's estate is exempt from Council Tax (Class F exemption) until probate is granted. Once probate is granted, the exemption continues for up to 6 months while the property remains unoccupied. Contact the local council where the property is located to apply for the exemption.