Anyone claimed Bereavement Support Grant - how long did it take?

[allthelittleangelsriseupriseup]

My wife died on 15/10/24 - very suddenly.
The only money we had coming in was my wife's PIP and ESA and my Carer's Allowance. These have now stopped. I have applied for BSA on Monday, and am rapidly running out of cash.
They have all the paperwork, how long does it take to get the grant into your bank account?
TIA.

Anyone?

I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I can't answer your question but it sounds like you need to apply for UC.

Hi OP, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife.

I lost my husband in July this year. I applied online for the Bereavement Support Allowance on 26 July and the payment was in my bank account by 5th August. I was actually stunned how quickly they processed it. I hope you are equally successful in getting a fast payment.

I am so sorry to hear about your wife.
My husband died earlier this year and the BSA was paid very quickly after I applied- a few days if I recall.
Also if you were receiving Carers Allowance, provided you still fulfil the eligibility criteria re age, earnings etc you should continue to receive CA for up to 8 weeks after the date of death of your wife.

I am so sorry your going through this @allthelittleangelsriseupriseup it's bloody hard.
My DH died at the start of Oct 6 yrs ago , because of the circumstances I had to wait for a interim death cert.
I can't remember exactly how long I waited for for my benefit bit I think it was about two weeks.
I strongly recommend you make a appointment and go to your bank and speak to them , I know there aren't many branches open now but it's worth the effort .
My bank ( rbs ) were absolutely fantastic, they arranged a overdraft instantly, went through all my out goings and told me which ones I could pause with no penalties, and also pointed me in the right direction for other financial help I could be eligible for .

To make your life easier look on the Gov. Website for 'tell us once' if it is in operation in your area all you do is fill in the form once and it informs all the local bodies about your dw wife death .

Many thanks for all of your replies - they're all very helpful.
I really need the money as soon as humanly possible, I don't have an overdraft facility on my account, so that's not possible - also the nearest branch of my bank is thirty miles away, I am disabled and don't drive.
All bills came out of my wife's account, I have informed everyone, SORN'ed the car etc.
I'm in the process of applying for UC, but as I don't have a passport, driver's licence etc, I have do it in person next week - then I can apply for a funeral grant.
I've already had my final payment for CA, and that has been almost used up on taxi fares.
Sounds like the BSG should come through soon - applied on Monday.

I am sorry for your loss. I didn't reply earlier because my experience was seven years ago but I had the payment in time to pay for the funeral which would make it under three weeks. It probably took a week for me to claim it so about two weeks for the payment to come through. I remember being surprised how fast they processed it.

I'm sorry @allthelittleangelsriseupriseup not been able to get to the bank is a bit of a bugger but you should be able to do it all over the phone , I just found it easier when sat face to face with someone.

I would still recommend talking to them make a appointment so they have time to gather all the info rather than just calling out of the blue, they can change some / all the bills over to your account depending on whether they are paid by standing order or DD . Some things you may have to contact your supplier/ account to get it sorted.
I don't have a driving licence or passport so I understand the hassle that causes .

Get at least 10 death certificates , I was amazed at how many I needed and it's a pain to get new original ones ( 99% won't accept photocopies) , I think they are £1 each .

I bought 10 copies of the death certificate and still have most of them. I was surprised how many organisations - bank, insurance etc - were prepared to accept a scanned copy. I think the only original I sent off was to the legal team who are doing the probate for me.

I guess different companies operate differently, I got 5 ( interim ) ones to start with which the bank were fine with but the dvla ( he drove I don't) accepted it but needed a full original one, so did various insurance companies , post office, 2nd bank , work , pension and god knows who else .

The lump sum came very quickly once I applied. I couldn't work out what the payment was and then realised. I've been getting £100pm since. Just make sure you return the application asap

Thank you for everyone's help, I called the helpline this morning, and the money will be in my account on Monday !
At least I can relax for a bit.

Great news