What Happened to my husband's State Pension?

saver861

Darkeyes wrote: »

He was under the impression I would be okay I would be entitled to his State Pension. Have we got this wrong? Does the State Pension die with him because I am not of pensionable age?

State pension on its own would be a challenge for anyone to live on in any case. If he thought you would be alright with the state pension, albeit mistakingly, that indicates that you might have other income entitlement in addition e.g. spouse work pension entitlement.

Darkeyes wrote: »

Any advice?

Certainly you would need to look at what your entitlements are in your current circumstances and that you are getting all the entitlements from works pension, insurance policies etc. if this has not already been fully established. Do you have any close family members that can assist you with this?

atush

Originally Posted by Darkeyes View Post
He was under the impression I would be okay I would be entitled to his State Pension. Have we got this wrong? Does the State Pension die with him because I am not of pensionable age?

He may have been under impressions, but both you and he should have actually found out the facts of the case?

I am not as old as you, but I would have gotten a full pension on my husbands contributions, but I have known for considerable years that that is no longer the case as the state pension changed over the years.

I fail to see how both you and your husband were not as well informed (esp as you were closer to claiming).

It is especially sad, when men (who in the main still die younger) assume things about their dependents and what they are entitled to. AS it frequently proves wrong-esp when they assume things w/o taking into account new govt regulations (which were, despite some women saying) well advertised. And even more so, when they buy annuities, having a younger wife, and dont choose a spousal pension and leave their wives w/o. Which was the majority purchase.

Darkeyes_3

Thank you all for your help and advice. I will follow it up.
I'm sorry I should have made it clear - I work full time. My husband had cancer and although we knew what the outcome would be eventually I was in total denial until the very last minute. I was my husband’s carer we never asked for any help. To be fair to my husband tried to discuss things with me but I got upset each time he tried.

Atush – You are right I left it a bit late. When you’re grieving time loses its meaning. I can barely remember the last 12 months. It’s only a recent letter about the tax code that brought this to mind.
Also, it's easy to say we should have found out the facts - How many truly understand how pensions work? In spite of being weak and suffering constantly (without complaining) my husband planned the funeral service, left letters for the family and ensured he left his affairs in order so I would not have any problems and I am grateful for that. He was one in a million!

jem16

Darkeyes wrote: »

Thank you all for your help and advice. I will follow it up.

Main thing to do just now is to get a state pension forecast. It will not include any inherited SERPS/S2P from your husband as that will only be calculated when you come to claim your own state pension.

Do let us know how you get on.

saver861

Darkeyes wrote: »

Atush – You are right I left it a bit late. When you’re grieving time loses its meaning. I can barely remember the last 12 months. It’s only a recent letter about the tax code that brought this to mind.

In such circumstances, financial matters are the least priority for most, quiet understandably so.

Darkeyes wrote: »

Also, it's easy to say we should have found out the facts - How many truly understand how pensions work?

Many don't - including the Bank of England Chief Economist apparently!!!

There are many sources of assistance now that was not available in years gone by. This forum is a good place to get various information on many aspects. Close trusted family members and/or friends can also lighten the load.

The key thing would be to make inroads into sorting out any financial matters that needs sorting.

atush

Darkeyes wrote: »

Thank you all for your help and advice. I will follow it up.
I'm sorry I should have made it clear - I work full time. My husband had cancer and although we knew what the outcome would be eventually I was in total denial until the very last minute. I was my husband’s carer we never asked for any help. To be fair to my husband tried to discuss things with me but I got upset each time he tried.

Atush – You are right I left it a bit late. When you’re grieving time loses its meaning. I can barely remember the last 12 months. It’s only a recent letter about the tax code that brought this to mind.
Also, it's easy to say we should have found out the facts - How many truly understand how pensions work? In spite of being weak and suffering constantly (without complaining) my husband planned the funeral service, left letters for the family and ensured he left his affairs in order so I would not have any problems and I am grateful for that. He was one in a million!

If you work, you should at least be inline for a full state pension of your own, and will inherit some of your husbands extra state pension on top? Get a state pension forecast and statement as soon as you can.

Did he have any personal/work pensions?

Does your work offer a pension? Have you joined it?

atush

saver861 wrote: »

In such circumstances, financial matters are the least priority for most, quiet understandably so.



Many don't - including the Bank of England Chief Economist apparently!!!

There are many sources of assistance now that was not available in years gone by. This forum is a good place to get various information on many aspects. Close trusted family members and/or friends can also lighten the load.

The key thing would be to make inroads into sorting out any financial matters that needs sorting.

I quite understand many dont, but if money is tight they should (or at least ask a friend or relative to help look into it). Lighten their load a you say.

And many do understand pensions. I am not in t he field, but I do. Many others who dont know about them, come here to learn about them.

atush

Do you know what amount your husband's SP was when he was getting it? That might help others to tell if there is any S2P or state second pension ofr you to inherit once you claim yours?

And do you know when you will be eligible?

xylophone

And do you know when you will be eligible?

The OP is currently 60 so should have a fair idea.

xylophone

My husband was my chauffeur; I have no transport now he's gone - I don't drive and can't get a bus pass

Had you thought of learning to drive? Unless there are circumstances that would prevent your driving, your age is no barrier!