How to Claim UK Bereavement Support Payment from Cyprus
- Maplebrook Services
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Losing a spouse or civil partner is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. During this challenging time, financial support from the government can provide some relief and help you manage essential expenses. In the United Kingdom, Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a benefit designed to assist individuals after the loss of their spouse or civil partner. If you live in Cyprus but your late spouse or civil partner was connected to the UK system, you may be eligible to claim BSP. This article explains what Bereavement Support Payment is, how to determine eligibility while living in Cyprus, and the steps to claim it.
What is UK Bereavement Support Payment?
Bereavement Support Payment is a government benefit in the UK that provides financial assistance to people whose spouse or civil partner has died.
There are two types of payments under BSP:
A Lump Sum Payment: A one-off payment to help cover immediate expenses following the bereavement.
Monthly Payments: These are made over either 18 months or longer depending on whether there are dependent children.
The amount you receive depends on when your partner passed away and whether you have dependent children.
Who Can Claim Bereavement Support Payment?
You can claim BSP if you meet all the following conditions:
Your husband, wife, or civil partner has died and you were living together when they passed away.
Your late spouse or civil partner either paid National Insurance contributions or was receiving certain benefits based on their National Insurance record.
You are under State Pension age.
You were under the age of 65 when your partner died.
You were legally married or in a civil partnership with the deceased at the time of their death.
Eligibility for People Living Outside the UK
For people living in Cyprus or anywhere else abroad, eligibility to claim BSP depends on the connection to the UK’s National Insurance system. If your late spouse or civil partner:
Paid sufficient National Insurance (NI) contributions in the UK, or
Was receiving certain UK benefits which require NI contributions, then you may be eligible to claim BSP even if you live in Cyprus.
The UK allows BSP claims from people living abroad as it recognises the international mobility of its citizens. Additionally, the UK and Cyprus are both part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which allows coordination of social security benefits including BSP.
How to Claim Bereavement Support Payment from Cyprus
Here are the steps you should follow to claim BSP from Cyprus:
Gather Necessary Information and Documents
Prepare the following information:
Your National Insurance number
Your late spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance number (if known)
Your full details (name, address, date of birth)
Your late spouse or civil partner’s death certificate
Your marriage or civil partnership certificate to prove your relationship
Contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
You will need to contact the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to start the claim. The DWP manages BSP claims on behalf of the UK government.
You can:
Submit Your Claim
Most BSP claims must be submitted by phone or online through the UK Government website. During the claim process, provide all requested documents and details. You might need to post original or certified copies of documents to the UK if requested.
Await Decision and Payment
Once your application is processed, you will be informed if you are eligible and the amount you will receive. BSP payments are usually made into your UK bank account, so if you do not have one, it’s advisable to set one up or arrange for payment transfer abroad.
Notify About Changes
If your circumstances change (for example, you move back to the UK or your financial situation alters), notify the DWP as this may affect your BSP payments.
Additional Support and Considerations
Help from International Social Security Coordination: Since Cyprus and the UK are part of the EEA social security coordination system, any social security benefits your late spouse or civil partner had in Cyprus may also be relevant alongside BSP.
Tax Implications: BSP payments from the UK are generally not taxable in the UK, but check with Cyprus tax authorities if any reporting is required.
Other UK Benefits: If you have dependent children, you might be eligible for additional support such as Child Benefit or Universal Credit.
In conclusion, if you reside in Cyprus and have lost a spouse or civil partner who was connected to the UK National Insurance system, you may be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment. It is important to gather all required documents, contact the UK’s DWP, and submit your claim promptly to receive the financial support you may be entitled to during this difficult period. For the latest information and direct guidance, always refer to the official UK Government Bereavement Support Payment webpage - click here to access it.
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