A-Z of Benefits

Aged 45-54 - Minimum of £27.21 - Maximum of £84.35
Aged 55 and aboce - £90.70

Who is it for?
Widows already getting it by 9/4/01, or aged 60-65 or widows who were getting widowed mothers allowance after 9/4/01 and are over 45 when it stops.

Who pays it?
Job Centre Plus.

Which leaflet? And how is it claimed?
On form from Job Centre Plus office

What are the age limits?
See under 'Who is it for?' above.

National Insurance based?
Yes, unless husband's death due to industrial accident or disease.

Means tested?
No.

How long does it last?
Stops at age 65 or on remarriage, civil partnership or cohabitation (including same sex) .

What is effect on other benefits?
Fully taken into account by all means tested benefits, but not SSP.

Is it taxable?
Yes.

Increases for dependants?
No.

Payable if in EU or other?
Yes, but if outside EU check uprating.

Points to watch
Some widows can qualify for both widow’s pension and retirement pension but only the highest will be paid. 

The A-Z of Benefits 2008 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care.