How Much Is a Widow’s Pension?

Find out how much widows or widowers receive in the UK from bereavement support and State Pension entitlements.

How Much Is a Widow’s Pension?

Losing a partner is one of life’s most difficult experiences — and amidst the emotional strain, the financial uncertainty that follows can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re recently bereaved or supporting someone who is, you may be wondering what financial support is available, particularly what’s commonly known as a "widow’s pension."

Although the traditional "widow’s pension" was phased out in 2017, financial support does still exist in the form of the Bereavement Support Payment, and widows or widowers may also receive increased State Pension entitlements depending on their circumstances.

This article explains what support is currently available, how much you can expect to receive, and how the rules vary depending on when your partner passed away.

Bereavement Support Payment: Today’s Version of Widow’s Pension

The Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) replaced several earlier bereavement benefits, including Widow’s Pension and Bereavement Allowance, for deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2017.

It’s available to people under State Pension age whose spouse or civil partner has died, provided certain National Insurance conditions are met.

How much is Bereavement Support Payment?

There are two rates, depending on whether you are responsible for children or were pregnant at the time of your partner’s death:

  • Higher rate:

    • £3,500 lump sum

    • £350 per month for 18 months

  • Standard rate:

    • £2,500 lump sum

    • £100 per month for 18 months

These payments are tax-free, don’t count towards the benefit cap, and are not means-tested, making them accessible to many, regardless of income or savings.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible for BSP, you must:

  • Have been married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased at the time of death

  • Be under State Pension age when they died

  • Have lived in the UK

  • Have a partner who paid sufficient National Insurance contributions, or died as a result of work-related injury or illness

You must claim within 12 months of the death to receive the full lump sum and monthly payments. Late claims (up to 21 months after death) may still be accepted but with reduced payments.

What if your partner died before April 2017?

If your spouse or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be receiving — or may have received — one of the older benefits:

Widow’s Pension (now closed to new claims)

This was available to women whose husbands died before April 2001. It paid a regular income, based on the husband’s National Insurance record, and was replaced by Bereavement Allowance.

Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow’s Pension)

Available for those aged 45 to State Pension age at the time of their partner’s death, this benefit provided a taxable weekly payment for up to 52 weeks. It was closed to new claims from 6 April 2017.

Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA)

Still available if your partner died before 6 April 2017 and you’re responsible for a child or expecting a baby. You can’t receive this and Bereavement Support Payment at the same time.

How much is Widowed Parent’s Allowance?

For the 2024/25 tax year, the maximum WPA is £139.10 per week, based on your late partner’s National Insurance contributions. It is taxable and paid until you stop being responsible for a child or reach State Pension age.

How Much Is the State Pension for a Widow?

If your spouse or civil partner paid enough National Insurance, you may be entitled to inherit some or all of their State Pension, depending on:

  • When your partner reached State Pension age

  • When you reached State Pension age

  • Whether you're receiving the old State Pension or new State Pension

If you’re receiving the new State Pension

If you or your partner reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, you’ll be on the new State Pension. The full new State Pension is £221.20 per week (2024/25), based on your own National Insurance record.

However, you may still benefit from:

  • Inherited protected payments: If your late spouse or civil partner was entitled to more than the standard State Pension due to earnings-related top-ups, you may inherit 50% of their protected payment on top of your own pension.

You cannot inherit their full State Pension under the new system — but you can gain some value through these protections.

If you’re receiving the old State Pension

If you and your partner both reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you may be able to inherit part or all of:

  • Their basic State Pension, and/or

  • Their Additional State Pension (also known as SERPS or State Second Pension)

In some cases, widows have been able to increase their State Pension to over £200 per week, especially if their partner had built up significant Additional State Pension.

Inheriting State Pension as a widow

Eligibility rules vary, but generally:

  • You can’t inherit more than your partner was entitled to

  • Inheritance depends on National Insurance contributions, marriage/civil partnership status, and retirement dates

  • You must have been married or in a civil partnership at the time of their death

If you’re unsure what you may be entitled to, you can:

  • Use the State Pension forecast tool

  • Contact the Pension Service

  • Speak to Age UK or MoneyHelper for guidance

What else can widows or widowers claim?

If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, you may also qualify for:

  • Pension Credit

  • Council Tax Reduction

  • Help with rent (Housing Benefit or Universal Credit)

  • Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payment

Many of these benefits are underclaimed, especially by older people. Even if you only receive a small payment from Pension Credit, it can unlock free NHS treatment, a free TV licence (if over 75), and more.

Final thoughts

While the traditional widow’s pension no longer exists for new claims, meaningful support is still available through the Bereavement Support Payment and State Pension inheritance rules. Understanding what you might be entitled to — and claiming it promptly — can ease the financial pressure during an incredibly difficult time.

If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to seek help. Charities like Age UK, Citizens Advice, and MoneyHelper can guide you through the process and ensure you claim everything you’re entitled to.