State pension mistake?

vivvov

Hello

..and thank you before hand for answers 
I've a question around my elderly mother's state pension amount.
Born in 1940, married in early 1960s.
Father (born 1939) worked all his life (full NI contributions) mother worked on and off. (so presuming not full NI contributions).
Father died 2016..and mother has been in receipt of State pension since father's demise...Mother still fit as a fiddle, sorted out state pension herself after father died..sorts out own finances etc.
I read today that state pension is £142/week and have just checked with mother what she receives..£287/week.
I haven't reacted in front of her..but why is mother getting double £142?
Has there been a mess up?  Or is this normal.
Regards

molerat

The basic old state pension is £141.85, the maximum old state pension is £327.25.  She likely inherited a fair chunk of your father's pension when he died, her pension statement received each year will show exactly how it is made up.

Linton

As both Father and Mother reached State Pension age before 2016 Mother could well have inherited some state pension from Father especially if he had a reasonably well paid job and was contracted into SERPs.  Given his date of birth 80% or 90% of SERPs would be inheritable.

Mother should receive a statement from DWP around January every year showing the details of her next year's pension.  Perhaps she has kept it.