Widows Pension or similar

Minrich

My Dad died in July this year. He was 82 . My Mum , also 82 has been left in the situation where her State Pension is only £290 a month. I have looked to see what she could claim as a Widow but appears that it is very confusing. Friends of hers have claimed something (they don’t know what it is and their children did it for them online) . So any help would be greatly appreciated . I will continue looking on the internet !

Mojisola

Check this out -
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Also worth asking CAB or similar advisor for a benefit check for your Mum.

Minrich

As you can see my mothers state pension is £72.50 a week. My Dad had a full state pension , i read somewhere she could claim her pension on his NIC Record as a widow , but cannot find how to do this ! Or did i mis read it?

Mojisola

https://www.savvywoman.co.uk/1594/what-happens-to-your-state-pension-when-you-die/

Minrich

Mojisola .... thanks , but where or how do you enquire or make a claim.... i have been trying to find how for more than an hour !

anmarj

0345 6060265 option for bereavme was service, this should have been done automatically when your dad died.

anmarj

Sorry on my phone, bereavement service is what she is after

Jerben

The Pension Service
0345 606 0265
This is the 'helpline' for people who are already receiving their pension to report a change in circumstances.
In a recent personal case, it all happened automatically when we used the 'tell us once' service on the first death.
Make the call with her, having full details, names. dates, NI numbers, etc., at hand.

LHW99

If she doesn't know her / her husband's NI number, it may be used as reference(s) on a bank statement, if that is how they were both paid.

Minrich

Thanks for your input so far .. But ..... Is she entitled to a higher pension though , or is it not that straight forward ? My Dads state pension was about £500pm.

Jerben

Minrich wrote: »

Thanks for your input so far .. But ..... Is she entitled to a higher pension though , or is it not that straight forward ? My Dads state pension was about £500pm.

(Without knowing all the facts), highly likely, yes.
Report all the facts to the Pensions Service and they will sort it.
(It should really have been sorted by them already?).
Any increase will be backdated to when your Dad died.