If your claim is refused, and scams to avoid
A refusal is not the end of the story, but it does start a clock. Benefit decisions in the UK are normally challenged in two stages: first a mandatory reconsideration, where the Department looks at the decision again, and then an appeal to an independent tribunal if the reconsideration does not change the outcome. Check the decision letter for the exact steps and dates that apply to your case, because the letter is the authoritative source for your deadlines. As a general rule, a mandatory reconsideration should be requested within one month of the decision, and the same one-month pattern applies to the appeal stage after that. Late requests can sometimes be accepted with good reason, but do not rely on that: act within the month if you possibly can.
Common reasons for refusal, and what to check
| Reason given | What to check first |
|---|---|
| National Insurance condition not met | Was the full record checked, including Class 2 contributions and any death caused by work? Ask for the reasoning in writing. |
| Not under State Pension age at the death | Is the State Pension age applied to your date of birth correct? Check GOV.UK's calculator. |
| Relationship not accepted | For cohabiting claims, was the Child Benefit or pregnancy condition evidenced? Was a marriage or civil partnership certificate supplied? |
| Higher rate refused, lower rate paid | Was Child Benefit claimed in your name? Had the Child Benefit Office confirmed entitlement? |
| Claim treated as too late | Was the claim date recorded correctly, especially for postal claims? Was a recently confirmed cause of death involved? |
When you ask for a reconsideration, be specific. Say which part of the decision you dispute, give the dates and facts that support your view, and attach any evidence you have, such as a marriage certificate, a Child Benefit letter, or proof of posting. A short, factual letter that addresses the Department's stated reason is more useful than a long account of the bereavement itself. Citizens Advice and other free advice services can help draft a reconsideration request, and they do so without charge. You do not need a paid representative, and you should be wary of anyone who charges a fee to challenge a benefit decision on your behalf without explaining exactly what they will do.
Scams: what the Department will never do
Bereavement is a time when scams are particularly cruel, because people are grieving, tired, and dealing with unfamiliar organisations. Remember these rules. The Department for Work and Pensions will never ask you to pay a fee to claim Bereavement Support Payment, will never ask for your bank login, password, or one-time passcode, and will never contact you out of the blue asking you to move money to a safe account. Genuine claim routes are GOV.UK, the Bereavement Service helpline, and form BSP1 by post. Be suspicious of texts or emails claiming that a bereavement payment is waiting, that a fee will release it, or that your bank account must be verified through a link. Do not click such links, do not reply with personal details, and contact the Bereavement Service through a number you have found yourself on GOV.UK if you are unsure. If you think you have been targeted, you can report it to Action Fraud, and you should also tell your bank at once if you have shared financial details.
Sources: GOV.UK, Bereavement Support Payment (eligibility, what you will get, how to claim), checked 25 October 2026; DWP Bereavement Support Payment claim notes; House of Commons Library, Bereavement Support Payment (CBP-7887).