Quick guides

When you die, the Government might provide your family with benefits to help with some costs and expenses, but only if they meet certain eligibility conditions. Some of the main benefits and conditions that apply are:

Funeral payment

If your family is on a low income and needs financial help to pay for a funeral, a one-off funeral payment from the Social Fund may be available. However, they may have to repay some or all of this money from your estate.

Bereavement payment and allowance

Your widowed husband, wife or surviving civil partner may be eligible for a bereavement payment. This is a one-off lump sum of £2,000 that's tax-free. They may also be eligible to claim a bereavement allowance. This is a taxable weekly benefit, which they might receive for up to 52 weeks after your death.

Would your family be eligible?

Eligibility is generally based on your spouse or civil partner's age when you die, their level of income and any benefits they receive, in addition to any National Insurance contributions you've made. Different conditions apply for each of the benefits. You can find out more information at www.direct.gov.uk

Do you need life cover?

If you think your family won't be eligible for these Government benefits, or you think your loved ones may need a greater amount to help with their living expenses, then Aviva life insurance could provide that financial security. Having the right life cover would mean that, if you were to die during the term of the plan, your loved ones would receive a cash lump sum. This could make all the difference in helping them to manage financially without your income.

If you want life cover for a fixed number of years, for example until your children become independent, or to help cover an interest-only mortgage, you should consider Level Life Insurance. For cover that lasts for the rest of your life, you might consider Guaranteed Whole of Life Insurance. Or, if you want to help cover a repayment mortgage or any other loan that reduces as you make your monthly repayments, you should think about Decreasing Life Insurance.

Most of our life insurance plans don't have a cash-in value, so if you cancel the plan you won't receive any money back. The only exception is a Guaranteed Whole of Life plan, where there may be a cash-in value if you choose to pay either by a single premium or for a limited premium term, but this will be less than you've paid in.

WC05076 05/2011