Widows parents allowance changes

turnblad

Hi there,
This is a long shot but I would like your thoughts please……
there have been some changes recently to the WPA. Now If your partner( unmarried) died and was the parent of your child you are able to claim benefit. It is based on how much NI they paid before their death and you must be in receipt of Child benefit. 

My partner died in 2009, when my daughter was 3. I am in receipt of child benefit.
 My question is…..
i live in France. My child benefit is from the French government. My partner didn’t pay into the French system here, he paid NI in the UK. 

I wonder if I have a case to claim. We are British citizens. 

Thanks for your thoughts / ideas. 

molerat

Being a British citizen doesn't come into it. One of the requirements is you are entitled to child benefit

you’re entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child

To qualify for child benefit

You normally qualify for Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and you live in the UK.

So it looks like a no.

turnblad

Well it was a long shot….thanks. 

turnblad

Although I would counter that by saying that the whole idea about the criteria for receipt of child benefit is to prove  responsibility for that child rather than residency in the uk. And  I have had sole responsibility. The idea behind WPA is to support grieving children. 

sheramber

If you live abroad  

Contact the International Pension Centre to find out if you can claim if you’ve moved abroad.  

 

International Pension Centre 

Telephone: +44 191 21 87608 

 

Department for Work and Pensions 

Bereavement and widows’ benefits 

International Pension Centre 

Tyneview Park 

Newcastle-upon-Tyne 

NE98 1BA 

 

You must include your: 

• full name 
• date of birth 
• National Insurance number (if you know it)