Widow's State Retirement Pension

Be_Happy

Can someone advise on question causing debate in our house.

Husband is retired on full State Pension and wife retired on 80% pension in her own right. If the husband dies, does the widow's retirement pension increase to the full 100% that husband was getting, or does she stay on 80% pension.

I'm talking about basic pension, not any additional SERPS, Pension Credit, etc.

CIS

I used to calculate them:

She would use a system called substitution to calculate her record, this usually gives 100% Basic Penson + 50% Inherited Graduated + 50% Inherited Additional Pension + her own Additional Pension/Graduated Pension.

As long as he has a 100% pension and she has the 80% figure, I would say for certain that she would get 100% BSP.

Guide here
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/Partners/Allowancesandbenefits/dev_008390.xml.html

jenniferpa

The DWP's site is about as clear as mud on this issue but I think it's saying that if your spouse is dead, your basic state pension is based on either your or their contributions.
Specifically "Based on your own or your late spouse’s
National Insurance (NI) contributions" £82.05

I would suggest calling the DWP pension help line for confirmation.

Jennifer

Cross post with CIS who knows much more about this!

CIS

Mud would actually be clearer

The problem with the lack of rules is becasue often internal staff aren't fully given all of the rules either, you become very good at finding it out yourself to help the customers.

The actual calc is usually based in both persons record, even where the widow has not worked, you still use her details to an extent.

Be_Happy

Thanks Jenniferpa and CIS from what you say, I would understand that widow's pension is revised on death of husband and recalculated using his contribution record if better than hers.

Don't want to contact DWP at this time, but wanted information to help with our financial planning.

Thanks again