pension for young widow

soolin

I wasn't sure whether to post here or on the benefits forum, so apologies if this is wrong.

My sister's husband died at Christmas leaving her a widow at 42. I've been looking through the Government websites about pensions but am getting a bit confused as when I follow links and things I sometimes seem to end up with conflicting information. Basically I need to know whether there is still a widows pension, and whether due to her age she will still be able to claim this for ever, or whether it is only a short term thing. Her husband was in full time employment and was under the retirement age and I understand that his employers will be paying a pension to her. My sister also only currently works just over 16 hours a week and claims no benefits, so I assume there will now be tax credits available?

Also, someone mentioned that due to her age there is a one off burial payment, but I can find nothing about that at all.

We have all sorts of claims forms and other things to fill out but some of it is quite confusing so we tried phoning the DWP only to find they have answering machines on where no message can be left..so I assume they are still catching up with the backlog of the holiday break.

Any information would be appreciated as she is really worried about money and how she will live, obviously this months salary has already been stopped by her husbands employers to be recalculated to the date of death, yet her usual household bills continue to be payable. She has two young children from a previous marriage if that makes any difference.

Thank you

Soo

jem16

Sorry to hear about your loss - my condolences.

I was in the same position 4 years ago, aged 46. As far as I know the situation is still the same. There is no such thing as a Widow's Pension now and they have been replaced by other things such as Bereavement Payment & Bereavement Allowance. The Bereavement Allowance is only payable to those over 45 and not bringing up children.

Bereavement Payment is a one-off payment of £2000. She should be entitled to this.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/dev_008417.xml.html

The other allowance is Widowed Parent's Allowance as you said she has young children. This is payable whilst she is in recepit of Child Benefit. The amount is dependent on NI contributions. I got around £800pm before tax.

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/dev_008421.xml.html

There is a claim form on each of the above sites. At the time I went into my local social security office and they sorted it out for me.

Those were the only allowances I could claim - there may be others.

chesky369

Perhaps you should also help her with her husband's employers regarding the pension - she may not feel like becoming too involved and it might be an idea if you were to contact the Pensions Trustees to find out when the pension will start to be paid (these things can take some time) and exactly how much she can expect.

magicmaria

Yes i was left a widow at 37 with 1 son aged 9 she is entitled to the £2000 immediately, then she will get a widows pension based on her husbands NI contributions until the youngest child is 16 or 18 if staying in education, I currently get 87.47 per week (this is taxable).

Also remember she is now entitled to a deducation in Council Tax get on to them for her.

Big Hugs to your sister & family this will be a very difficult time for her x

soolin

Thank you everyone. I've sent her the links and we are going though the info together. It looks like the old 'widows pension' has now been replaced by a widowed parents allowance, and all the necessary forms are being obtained.

Her ex husbands employers are being very good and are sorting out the pension options for her, so that is good.

She's also been in touch with all the various banks/building socities all of which have been able to help her very efficiently, except for Nat West who are being a real pain and keep telling her that no one can help her as they are short staffed and telling her to call back in a week or so!

Soo