Is this the normal time scale?

thorsoak

My dearly-beloved OH died on 19th January at the age of 70 from pancreatic cancer. On the day he died, we were notfied that he was entitled to Attendance Allowance at the highest rate in respect of his terminal illness. (DWP were notified of the claim on 10th November.)

The claim was backdated and received into the bank account on the day he died. The following day, DWP were notified of his death, and all details were taken and noted and we were told that notification would be given to all departments dealing with his affairs. No other payments in respect of the Attendance Allowance have been made - nor did I expect to receive any. Of course, as I am over pensionable age myself, no claim was made for carer's allowance, as there is no entitlement.


However I am aware that I am entitled to a proportion of his state retirement pension which he started receiving at 65 after having worked since the age of 16, but as at today's date, I am still unaware as to what I shall receive.

I understand that when this figure is calculated it will be backdated to the date of his death ,- but I feel that not knowing just how much I shall have to live on just adds unnecessary stress at a time when life is hard enough to handle.

Have I been unlucky in my dealings with DWP? Is this really the way that our Welfare State deals with widows??? I'm a pretty strong person normally, but am a bit wobbly at the moment.

backinbusiness

Not suprised you feel wobbly just now.

Can't help with any information I'm afraid, but didn't want to read and run.

Sorry for your loss - and I hope you can get things sorted out sooner rather than later. DWP doesn't tend to move very quickly though I'm afraid.

Take care.

BiB

Mikazaru

Sorry to hear of your loss Thorsoak.

Did your OH have the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme?
Theres some infor here as to how much you will be entiltied to:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/Basicstatepension/DG_10026707

If not theres some other info on that site about the normal state pension.

Are you entilted to full state pension on your own contributions?

I hope they can sort it quickly for you.

Oldernotwiser

I'm so sorry to hear that you've lost your husband, I really feel for you.

Regarding the practicalities, are you over pension age yourself?

Mikazaru

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm so sorry to hear that you've lost your husband, I really feel for you.

Regarding the practicalities, are you over pension age yourself?

thorsoak wrote: »

Of course, as I am over pensionable age myself, no claim was made for carer's allowance, as there is no entitlement.

Yes, they are

Oldernotwiser

Mikazaru wrote: »

Yes, they are

Sorry, too busy sympathising to read carefully.

Oldernotwiser

thorsoak wrote: »

I understand that when this figure is calculated it will be backdated to the date of his death ,- but I feel that not knowing just how much I shall have to live on just adds unnecessary stress at a time when life is hard enough to handle.
.

If it's any help, you can guarantee a minimum income of £132 pension credit, if any savings are within the limits.

thorsoak

Mikazaru wrote: »

Sorry to hear of your loss Thorsoak.

Did your OH have the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme?
Theres some infor here as to how much you will be entiltied to:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/Basicstatepension/DG_10026707

If not theres some other info on that site about the normal state pension.

Are you entilted to full state pension on your own contributions?

I hope they can sort it quickly for you.

Thank you - yes I've been referred to that site - but its still pretty vague .. it says I MAY be entitled to a percentage of SERPS and I MAY be entitled to some of his normal state pension .... there is nothing that can be nailed down!

When I worked in a Pensions Trustees Dept, it was of paramount importance that a pension forecast went out within 7 days of notification of a death ...but DWP fobs everyone off with "well we are very busy dealing with urgent cases!" I have no doubt that the staff are under extreme pressure and I cast no blame upon the front line troops - but this situation really has to be taken in hand, imo!

Don't get me wrong - I'm not citing "hardship" - I can get along - just - but what about those who can't?

Oldernotwiser

I was told it was 6 - 8 weeks for a straightforward pension quotation at the moment.

Mikazaru

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry, too busy sympathising to read carefully.

Sorry, was just letting you know - only trying to help.

Thorsoak - there's a little bit more info on the Saga site but again it's quite vague and just say what you may be entilted to in terms of Serps.

Is there a CAB near you that someone could visit for you, they might be able to give more concrete figures?

Oldernotwiser

Mikazaru wrote: »

Sorry, was just letting you know - only trying to help.

Don't worry - I didn't take offence.