Widowed parents backpayments and receiving benefits

Dorothys_slipper

Hello. Sorry another query on this but I can't find out any information. I have read that if you do qualify for backdated payments (you weren't married to your partner but now the law has changed) and you receive benefits, then they can deduct that from the backdated payments. Does anyone know if that is if you were in receipt of benefit from 2017 (when the law changed), or is it if you received benefits (such as income support, child benefit or working tax credit) at any period in your life, for example 2005-2007? It is all so confusing.

poppy12345

I don't understand why you're asking this because you've had the decision and you don't qualify so it's a moot point. Thread here for others that haven't seen it. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6513843/still-waiting-on-backdated-widowed-parents-allowance#latest

Dorothys_slipper

Because I'm interested in the answer? It's not a moot point because I can appeal if I want to. 

poppy12345

Yes you can challenge the decision but you'll be wasting your time and their's because you lived with another partner then you don't qualify. 

Dorothys_slipper

With respect, that doesn't answer the reason for my post. 

marcia_

Dorothys_slipper said:

With respect, that doesn't answer the reason for my post. 

 Unless you are asking on behalf of someone else?  then the answer doesn't matter as you don't qualify 

Dorothys_slipper

I'm unsure on the reason for the forum if it's not for asking question like this? I'm curious if anyone actually knows the answer? I was told on the phone that I can appeal if I want to. I'm just wondering if it's worth it? Some people seem to be quite happy to gloat "you don't qualify", when I'm actually discussing a bereavement benefit. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Dorothys_slipper said:

I'm unsure on the reason for the forum if it's not for asking question like this? I'm curious if anyone actually knows the answer? I was told on the phone that I can appeal if I want to. I'm just wondering if it's worth it? Some people seem to be quite happy to gloat "you don't qualify", when I'm actually discussing a bereavement benefit. 

It is undoubtedly a very unfortunate situation you find yourself in but with regard to the bit highlighted above, as a phone advisor, probably on NMW they have two options.

1.  Get embroiled in a lengthy discussion about the rights and wrongs of this policy and how it impacts you.  Then get wronged by management for long call handing times.

2.  End the call quickly by giving you false hope.

sheramber

Dorothys_slipper said:

I'm unsure on the reason for the forum if it's not for asking question like this? I'm curious if anyone actually knows the answer? I was told on the phone that I can appeal if I want to. I'm just wondering if it's worth it? Some people seem to be quite happy to gloat "you don't qualify", when I'm actually discussing a bereavement benefit. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/backdated-payments-for-widowed-parents-allowance

poppy12345

You don't qualify so appealing the decision isn't going to change that. If you're not happy with the law then contact your local MP. 

poppy12345

Dorothys_slipper said:

I'm unsure on the reason for the forum if it's not for asking question like this? I'm curious if anyone actually knows the answer? I was told on the phone that I can appeal if I want to. I'm just wondering if it's worth it? Some people seem to be quite happy to gloat "you don't qualify", when I'm actually discussing a bereavement benefit. 

It's about help with benefits entitlement, not about benefits policy. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/365935/its-about-helping-people-get-their-entitlement-not-about-benefits-policy#latest