Basic guidance following death of wife

Marcon

Completely agree. If the money's there, have both.

Cobbler_tone

One thing to add, just in case anyone is in the same position is bereavement payment support, which isn't means tested. I doubt he will bother as struggling with anything at the moment but it is there for those who need some help at an expensive time. 

sheramber

Cobbler_tone said:

One thing to add, just in case anyone is in the same position is bereavement payment support, which isn't means tested. I doubt he will bother as struggling with anything at the moment but it is there for those who need some help at an expensive time. 

They had plans to move away and end their days together after he retired, which he now has but then her illness took over.

Sounds like he is retired.

If over state pension age then no Bereavement Support .

There may be spousal pension if his wife was in receipt of occupational pension. 

Cobbler_tone

sheramber said:

Cobbler_tone said:

One thing to add, just in case anyone is in the same position is bereavement payment support, which isn't means tested. I doubt he will bother as struggling with anything at the moment but it is there for those who need some help at an expensive time. 

They had plans to move away and end their days together after he retired, which he now has but then her illness took over.

Sounds like he is retired.

If over state pension age then no Bereavement Support .

There may be spousal pension if his wife was in receipt of occupational pension. 

He is 60 (redundant and retired 12 months ago) and she was 59. Like I said, he may well not apply but I have just been investigating to support through the difficult process. She had a council pension from when she was working, so will be sure to check any spousal links to that. 
Sometimes the money doesn't really matter or make any tangible difference to your life plans.