I am a British national. I applied for a spouse visa for my wife who lives in South Africa. I gave all the supporting documents and the required fee but it was refused.  They said that I don't meet the minimum income requirement so I need a good immigration solicitor to handle my case. Where can i get one?

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

If you want legal help

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


My immigration case has been mishandled by a solicitor I had hired.At first he requested a deposit of £3000 which I felt was unreasonable but paid. Second,I gave him all my supporting documents but he misplaced them. My efforts to meet him in his office too has been futile. He never turned up for appointments. Can i report him?

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

You can complain about:

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

poor advice or service

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

unreasonable fees

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


My husband died after an accident at work. He was only 52. I am heartbroken and now strapped for money. Do I qualify for Bereavement Support payment?

You may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) if your husband, wife or civil partner died in the last 21 months.

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount. You can claim up to 21 months after their death but you’ll get fewer monthly payments.

Bereavement Support Payment has replaced Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension), Bereavement Payment, and Widowed Parent’s Allowance.

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

You may still be able to claim BSP if your husband, wife or civil partner’s cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after the death. Call the Bereavement Service helpline.

If your husband, wife or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get Child Benefit (or if you do not get it but are entitled to it), you’ll get the higher rate.

If you do not get Child Benefit, you’ll get the lower rate unless you were pregnant when your husband, wife or civil partner died.

You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount. If you claim later, you’ll get fewer monthly payments.

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

Bereavement Support Payment will not affect your benefits for a year after your first payment. After a year, money you have left from your first payment could affect the amount you get if you renew or make a claim for another benefit.

You must tell your benefits office (for example, your local Jobcentre Plus) when you start getting Bereavement Support Payment.

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

If you’ve arranged to pay your Self Assessment tax and National Insurance bill in instalments because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your application might be rejected. Contact HMRC before applying for Bereavement Support.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

You could be eligible if your partner either:

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

When they died you must have been:

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

under State Pension age

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get Child Benefit (or if you do not get it but are entitled to it), you’ll get the higher rate.

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get Child Benefit (or if you do not get it but are entitled to it), you’ll get the higher rate.

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.


My wife died after contracting a disease to do with asbestos from her workplace. She was only 58. I need tome support urgently. What is the application process for BSP?

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) if your husband, wife or civil partner died in the last 21 months.

You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount. You can claim up to 21 months after their death but you’ll get fewer monthly payments.

Bereavement Support Payment has replaced Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension), Bereavement Payment, and Widowed Parent’s Allowance.

You could be eligible if your partner either:

paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks in one tax year since 6 April 1975

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

You may still be able to claim BSP if your husband, wife or civil partner’s cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after the death. Call the Bereavement Service helpline.

If your husband, wife or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.

What you'll get

You’ll get a first payment and then up to 18 monthly payments. There are 2 rates.

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get Child Benefit (or if you do not get it but are entitled to it), you’ll get the higher rate.

If you do not get Child Benefit, you’ll get the lower rate unless you were pregnant when your husband, wife or civil partner died.

You must claim within 3 months of your partner’s death to get the full amount. If you claim later, you’ll get fewer monthly payments.

Your payments will be paid into your bank or building society account.

If you get benefits

Bereavement Support Payment will not affect your benefits for a year after your first payment. After a year, money you have left from your first payment could affect the amount you get if you renew or make a claim for another benefit.

You must tell your benefits office (for example, your local Jobcentre Plus) when you start getting Bereavement Support Payment.

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

The quickest way to apply is by phone. You can also apply using a paper form.

If you’ve arranged to pay your Self Assessment tax and National Insurance bill in instalments because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your application might be rejected. Contact HMRC before applying for Bereavement Support.

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

To get a form, you can either:

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.

Bereavement Support Payment

Eligibility

You could be eligible if your partner either:

died because of an accident at work or a disease caused by work

When they died you must have been:

under State Pension age

living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits

You cannot claim BSP if you’re in prison.

If your partner died more than 21 months ago

What you'll get

| First payment | Monthly payment

Higher rate | £3,500 | £350

Lower rate | £2,500 | £100

If you get benefits

How to claim

How you apply depends on where you are.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales

Apply by phone

Apply using a paper form

To get a form, you can either:

download a Bereavement Support Payment form (BSP1)

contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus to get one through the post

Fill in the claim form and send it to:

If you’re in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process in Northern Ireland.

If you’re abroad

Call the International Pension Centre to apply.