This section describes the financial support which may be available to you if your spouse passes away.
We understand that dealing with bereavement can be an extremely difficult and emotional time. This page provides relevant information about the financial support which may be available but if you want to discuss your situation or you have any questions, please phone the Pensions & Allowances helpline on 221000 or call in to Social Security. We are located in Edward T. Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port. If you need information about accessibility, there is an Access Guide for Edward T Wheadon House.
Bereavement
- This section describes the financial support which may be available if your husband or wife passes away. You will be able to receive these benefits providing your husband or wife was registered with Social Security and satisfied the relevant contribution conditions. If you are widowed, you may be able to receive a:
- Bereavement payment - a single lump sum payment; and either
- Bereavement allowance - a weekly allowance payable for up to one year following bereavement or
- Widowed parent's allowance - a weekly allowance payable if you have a child under the age of 18 and for whom you are receiving family allowance.
- The amount payable is based on the number of social insurance contributions of the person who has died. Payment will be made directly into your bank account.
- The current rates are set out in the Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates leaflet (Leaflet 50), which is provided in the downloads section.
- You should make your claim within 3 months of the date of death. If you don't claim within 3 months you may lose out on benefit.
- If you are under pension age and your husband or wife died locally, a claim form (BW1) will be sent to you in the post, if we have your current address. If your husband or wife died while they were away from the Island or for some reason you don't receive the form within a few weeks you should phone the Pensions and Allowances helpline on 221000.
- If you are over pension age, you don't need to make a claim for the bereavement payment. You (or someone on your behalf) should call the Pensions and Allowances helpline on 221000 to explain that your husband or wife has died. Your claim will then be worked out automatically and if any benefit is due, we will write to you.
- Further information can be found in Guide to Bereavement Benefits - Leaflet 13 in the downloads section of this page.
Death Grant
- The Death Grant is a single lump sum payment to help with funeral expenses. The grant can be paid on the death of a person who was registered with Social Security. You do not need to be the spouse to make the claim. It is usually made by the administrator/executor of the estate or the person arranging the funeral.
- The amount payable is based on the number of Social Insurance contributions of the person who has died. The current rates are set out in Benefit Payment & Contribution Rates - Leaflet 50, which is provided in the downloads section of this page.
- To make a claim, you should fill in a claim form (BD1) which is available from the office by phoning the Pensions & Allowances helpline on 221000.
- The grant is normally paid directly to the funeral home who will deduct the amount from the final invoice. If the funeral expenses have already been paid the grant will be paid to the person who has made the claim.
- Further information can be found in Death Grant - Leaflet 49 in the downloads section of this page.
