Who is it for?
Widows and widowers of NI-insured spouses or registered civil partners who have appropriate national insurance record.
Who pays it?
Job Centre Plus
Which leaflet? And how is it claimed?
On form BB1 from local Job Centre Plus office or downloaded from www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or by calling 0800 0 55 66 88 Text phone: 0800 0 23 48 88
What are the age limits?
Under 60 generally but get advice if spouse over 60 with a deferred retirement pension.
National Insurance based?
Yes, unless partner's death due to industrial accident or disease.
Means tested?
No.
How long does it last?
Single lump sum payment.
What is effect on other benefits?
Disregarded for Social Fund Funeral Payment claim and for first 12 months for other means tested benefits.
Is it taxable?
Yes.
Increases for dependants?
Not applicable. Not paid if claimant living with new partner at time of spouses death
Payable if in EU or other?
Generally, yes.
Points to watch
Not paid to people who have simply co-habited but is available to civil partners. Available to widowers since April 9th 2001. Don't confuse with the Social Fund Funeral Payment - both can be paid.
You can view details of benefit amounts on the Community Care Inform website
The A-Z of Benefits 2009 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care Inform