How to Find Out if You Are Eligible for a Bereavement Allowance The government can provide financial help after a bereavement. This can help you cover the costs of a funeral or simply give you some extra money to make it easier to manage for a short period of time. But, many people don't actually realise that they may be eligible for help and/or don't know how to find out if they qualify or where they should apply. There is actually a one-stop service offered by the Department of Work and Pensions known as the Bereavement Service. This works on a phone basis. You simply call them for help. This service can also make things easier for you if you need to notify departments that someone has died as one call will spread the information where it needs to go. So, for example, you can end benefit claims in one go even if different types of allowances were being claimed by the person who died. It is worth calling to see if you do qualify for some financial assistance. The benefits on offer include: Bereavement Allowance -- this gives some widows/widowers a weekly payment for up to 52 weeks after death. It can be given to spouses and civil partners and is taxable. Bereavement Payment -- some people may qualify for a single tax-free payment of 2,000 on the death of their spouse or civil partner. Funeral Payment -- people on low incomes may be given help with funeral costs.