Widower and young

sandersmatthewg

Hi all.
I am 42 years old and have recently lost my wife,
Whilst this is an extremely emotional time I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing the wrong things with my finances. Hopefully someone here can advise me.
I know about the (small) reduction in council tax for a single person and I have applied for this.
Is there anything else I may be able to claim? I am a home owner, but unsure if gas, electricity, water or anything else may be looked at.

Can anyone help?

Thank you


Matthew

elsien

I'm sorry for your loss.
Have you looked into the possibility of bereavement support payments?

https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

McKneff

Do you work or claim any benefits?

Any children ?

And no, you pay for your own gas, water etc

sandersmatthewg

Hi,

No children no. I am currently off work due to bereavement. Had to leave work a few months ago when my wife became ill.

thanks

pmlindyloo

Are you receiving your full salary from work?

xylophone

Did your wife have any pension arrangements?

McKneff

I cant see you being eligible for any benefits to be honest.
Once you get back to work, you will have a full salary, no mortgage,
Benefits are for people who are in need. I cant see you not being able to afford to live

Sorry for your loss

sandersmatthewg

Hi guys,

My wife did have a work based pension from Vodafone but hasn't worked for 4 years due to ill health.
I am not getting any salary now and am not eligible for JSA due to unfit note from doc.
I have tried applying for ESA but the numbers I have been given will not help me. something about new claims, my area for universal credits etc! Very confusing!

marliepanda

Did you wife has life insurance to pay off the mortgage? Are you able to claim her pension now she has passed away?

Your single person reduction is 25%, which I wouldnt consider 'small' so Id check youve got that added.

Did you resign from work rather than take some compassionate leave? Is there any opportunity to return to that employer?

elsien

Did you see post 2?

Check here for universal credit.
https://ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate

Have you tried the universal credit helpline? Number in here.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit. You can also use the link to start a claim online.

Silvertabby

sandersmatthewg wrote: »

Hi guys,

My wife did have a work based pension from Vodafone but hasn't worked for 4 years due to ill health.
I am not getting any salary now and am not eligible for JSA due to unfit note from doc.
I have tried applying for ESA but the numbers I have been given will not help me. something about new claims, my area for universal credits etc! Very confusing!

So very sorry for your loss.

Have you advised Vodaphone Pensions of your wife's death? Even though she hadn't been in current employment, there should be some money due to you from the pension contributions she made.

You may be entitled to non means tested Bereavement Allowance from the DWP - have a look at form BB1 (see Post 2 for the link). You need to submit this within 3 months of your wife's death.

My thoughts are with you.