Couple, she went into res care in 2004, LA became appointee for her around same time. Treated as two individuals for benefits purposes from that point. LA therefore had nothing to do with him and had infrequent contact with her re benefits. He died 26/05/05 but whoever dealt with matters arising did not send BD8 to DWP which would have named her as his spouse. Hence her pension was not increased through his NI contribs. LA recently became aware of his death, but DWP will only backdate the increase on her pension one year from the date of notification. Clutching at straws possibly, but is that right? DWP refer to "decision no. 8975", whatever that is.
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