Should I claim Widowed Parent's Allowance?

WYBMADIITY_2

My husband died just over a month ago, and although we were separated we had never divorced.

Myself and our children have now been left with pretty much nothing. No life insurance, and now no maintenance income for the children. I understand I am now eligible for Widowed Parent's Allowance of up to £105.95 per week.

However, as I am long term disabled and unable to work, I really don't know whether to claim or not. I have asked the question of both the DWP and several benefits advisers who seem unable to tell me whether I will actually be worse off if I claim.

I am currently on income based Employment and Support Allowance, therefore additional income can have a detrimental affect to my overall financial situation. This upsets me as I could receive as much as I liked in maintenance without affecting income related benefits (which I don't agree with btw!), yet it seems receiving WPA because their father died may have a negative impact.

Is there anyone out there with the knowledge to give a definitive answer if I post details of my current situation?

Many thanks

mikey_bach

So sorry to hear about your loss
You may be able to claim but may nil your ESA IB claim
It has a ten pound disregard....

www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Bereaved/DG_10018848

pmlindyloo

Are you entitled to a bereavement payment?

This would not affect your ESA unless it takes you over the savings allowance.

sleepless_saver

How much is your income related ESA and how much would you actually get in widowed parents allowance?

I think they would deduct the widowed parents allowance (minus the £10 disregard) from the ESA, so if that was more than the ESA you would lose the advantages of an income related benefit, eg full council tax benefit etc. And if it was less than the ESA, then I'm not sure there would be any point in claiming it?
See overlapping benefits rules. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch17.pdf

DLA, if you get it, would be unaffected. Not sure about any SDP.

But it's complicated so you're best to seek expert advice.