Claiming state pension, need proof of divorce?

Glad

I’m asking this question for a friend.

He has just turned 66 and trying to claim his state pension, he divorced his wife 20 years ago and is telling me that he needs to provide proof that he was divorced, which he doesn’t have. 

I’m not sure if that is true or not but he thinks that to apply for the documents would cost him £69. His ex wife has actually died since they divorced, so could he simply apply for a copy of the death certificate instead?

thanks for reading 

molerat

I don't think you need proof, just the date to put on the application.

glennevis

molerat said:

I don't think you need proof, just the date to put on the application.

That's correct. I recently applied for my state pension and the form asks for the date without proof.

Glad

Thanks both, the problem is he can’t remember the date, so the only way to get it is to apply for the documents, I thought maybe the death certificate would do instead, as it’s much cheaper?

Marcon

Glad said:

Thanks both, the problem is he can’t remember the date, so the only way to get it is to apply for the documents, I thought maybe the death certificate would do instead, as it’s much cheaper?

It would be cheaper, but the cost isn't quite as bad as he fears: £45.

https://www.gov.uk/copy-decree-absolute-final-order

LHW99

I think it need only cost £45 max.

https://www.gov.uk/copy-decree-absolute-final-order

Glad

So could a death certificate at £11 be used instead? We’re struggling to find anything online to explain why the date of the divorce is needed.

Beddie

Simply put an approximate date - no one is going to check. And if do, say "soz" and move on. It's just bureaucracy.

Or... pay the fee and remember to keep important documents in future.

SouthCoastBoy

I'd be interested to know why they need to know the date of divorce? If you're married do you need to supply date of marriage?

Nebulous2

I helped a neighbour with this last year. He was divorced in the local court, went there and asked, and they couldn't help as it was so long ago. 

I called the helpline and asked, they told us to use an approximate date. They said it would generally go through - which it did - but if it didn't he would be no worse off than he currently was as he would need to then provide proof. 

toomuchinfo

SouthCoastBoy said:

I'd be interested to know why they need to know the date of divorce? If you're married do you need to supply date of marriage?

Yes, they asked the date of marriage when I applied last year, it’s easy to remember it though even though we’ve been married 30 years.

I was divorced 35 years ago and wouldn’t have a clue of the date.