If you or your deceased spouse or civil partner was under State Pension age at the time of bereavement, you might be eligible to apply for Bereavement Benefit.

This is divided into three parts:

  * Bereavement Payment - a one off tax free lump sum payment of £2,000.
  * Bereavement Allowance - a monthly payment, payable for one year for people who are over 45.
  * Widowed Parent's Allowance - payable to those with dependant children.

To apply from Spain, please contact the Bereavement Benefit section of the International Pension Centre on 0044 191 218 3847. It is important to do this as soon as possible, as if you contact them more than three months after your bereavement, your eligibility to the benefit could be affected.

If both you and your deceased spouse or civil partner were above State Pension age at the time of bereavement, you would not normally be entitled to a Bereavement Benefit. Instead, the International Pension Centre will calculate an increase in your State Pension, depending on your National Insurance contributions.