Widowed Parents Allowance

Amandalb

Hi

I'm hoping someone can help me clarify this.

I'm a widow, early 50s with one dependant child.

I've recieved Widowed Parents Allowance since my Husband died 2 years ago.

Today I've recieved a letter frm Jobcentreplus about the amount of benefit I will recieve from 12 April 16. The amount is exactly the same as i have previously recieved, but it is named as 'basic state pension' and not WPA. Does anyone know why???

According to the Gov. website i am not entitled to state pension until the age of 67 which is over 10 years away. I'm concerend as I don't want to be accused of claiming the wrong thing or for my pension to be affected when i come to claim.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TELLIT01

Call the number on the letter on Monday. They are really the only people who can give a definitive answer. Any suggestions about the reason made here won't change that.

Amandalb

I will definitley be calling them on Monday.

I was just wondering if anyonre else had recieved anything similar, or if anyone was aware of some obvious, logical explanation for it which could put my mind at rest before then.

Previous experience has taught me it's best to be as prepared as possible before calling th DWP,etc!

pmlindyloo

Just a thought - the WPA is based on the NI contributions from your late husband and I believe that the amount varies according to what he has paid in which in turn relates to whether it would have given him a basic state pension or additional amounts (sorry, not sure of the correct words!)

But best to telephone. If the amount is the same then I wouldn't worry too much.

Amandalb

Than you. It does mention pre- 97 and post 97 additonal pension.

I just wish they'd make these letters clear! Instead of just telling me i will apparently be recieving pension in the next few months.

Hopefully they will explain on Monday.