Good to share this type of information.  When I registered my husband's death I was given several leaflets and one of them was about this single payment plus the bereavement benefit (payable for the first year) At the present time you do have to be legally married at the time of your spouses's death and I received both as my husband was  under pension age at death.  It was something the funeral directors also advised me of as the lump sum payment is seen as being available to help towards funeral costs and it was indeed paid very promptly indeed. Jules

Makes me realise there are some benefits to being married. It also makes a difference with your estate when you pass. If you are not married and it's over a certain amount you get taxed on it! Madness, after 17 years I'm thinking I should get married :-)

Makes me realise there are some benefits to being married. It also makes a difference with your estate when you pass. If you are not married and it's over a certain amount you get taxed on it! Madness, after 17 years I'm thinking I should get married :-)

Hi Michelle,

I was 37 years married and can highly recommend it though think if  you can prove long term committed partnership benefits should be available in some form.  Jules