Bereavement Support UK

When someone close to you dies, you may need both emotional and practical support. This guide covers the financial help, counselling services, and practical resources available in the UK.

Financial support

• Bereavement Support Payment: If your spouse or civil partner died and you are under State Pension age, you may receive a lump sum of £2,500–£3,500 plus monthly payments
• Widowed Parent's Allowance: Being phased out but still available if your spouse died before April 2017
• Council tax discount: Single person discount of 25% if you now live alone
• Funeral Expenses Payment: Help with funeral costs if you receive certain benefits

Counselling and emotional support

• Cruse Bereavement Care: Free support, advice, and information – call 0808 808 1677
• Marie Curie: Support line for anyone affected by terminal illness – 0800 090 2309
• Samaritans: Available 24/7 on 116 123
• NHS talking therapies: Free self-referral for counselling through your local NHS

Practical support

• Citizens Advice: Free help with legal, financial, and administrative matters
• Age UK: Support for older people dealing with bereavement
• Gov.uk: Official guidance on what to do when someone dies

Workplace bereavement leave

Parents who lose a child under 18 are entitled to 2 weeks statutory parental bereavement leave. For other bereavements, there is no legal minimum – it depends on your employer's policy. Many employers offer 3–5 days compassionate leave.

How SafeKept reduces the burden

SafeKept gives you a single place to manage the administrative tasks - preparing bank notifications, recording responses as they come in, and storing documents - so you spend less time on paperwork and more time with your family.