Widow’s Pension and State Pension

DSMaths

I currently receive Widow’s pension.  This is higher than the standard single person state pension.  What happens when I retire?  Will the current pension continue unchanged?  I can’t find anything clear online to explain

Marcon

DSMaths said:

I currently receive Widow’s pension.  This is higher than the standard single person state pension.  What happens when I retire?  Will the current pension continue unchanged?  I can’t find anything clear online to explain

Is this Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow's pension)? If so, see https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Also useful (covers private pensions and War Widows): https://www.gov.uk/death-spouse-benefits-tax-pension/pensions

xylophone

Do you mean that you are receiving Widow's Pension (pre 2002) from DWP?

DSMaths

Yes pre 2002.  Started in 1998

xylophone

I currently receive Widow’s pension.  This is higher than the standard single person state pension. 

Yes pre 2002.  Started in 1998

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/RP98-100/RP98-100.pdf

According to the above, (from 1998 when female SPA was 60 and male SPA 65)

1. A widow over 65 does not get widows' benefits. Instead, she gets a Retirement Pension based on her own contributions, those of her late husband or some combination of the two contribution records. Widows between the ages of 60 and 65 may get either a Widow's Pension or a Retirement Pension. 

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2023-to-2024/benefit-and-pension-rates-2023-to-2024

The highest rate of Widows Pension is shown as £139 which is under a Full Basic (old state pension) and full NSP  - perhaps some SERPS was added?

Do you mean that you are about to reach State Pension Age?

Have you obtained a State Pension Forecast?

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

See also page  12 here - is this your situation?

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a758e27e5274a6faebebd94/derived-inherited-entitlement.pdf

DSMaths

Thanks that’s helpful. Confirms that it’s all as clear as mud!   Yes, I’ve checked my pension forecast which confirms that I’m fully paid up - but it is less than I’m currently getting.   Appreciate the help

xylophone

Yes, I’ve checked my pension forecast which confirms that I’m fully paid up - but it is less than I’m currently getting.  

It may not have taken account of any SERPS you may be due  from your late spouse - see page 12 of the link.

Blue_Butterfly

I'm a widow that reached State Pension Age recently, and inherited SERPS from my late husband. My online State Pension forecast only said the amount I had accrued on my own NI record. I was informed of my full 4 weekly amount including the inherited SERPS after I applied for my pension and received my award letter. My award letter took 6 weeks to arrive after applying, whereas friends who did not inherit extra pension got theirs in 1 week.

Bubbly04

Hi nubie here I don’t know wr to ask a question my husband passed away a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been told by dwp that I’m not entitled to any of his pension is this correct.

molerat

Sorry for your loss.  When did you both reach state retirement ?  If after 2016 then there is no inheritance other than half of any amount above the full £221.20.