My client has been receiving widowed parent's allowance (or equivalent) since 1999 but it only includes an addition for one child, even though she has 2 children from her late husband, plus 3 others who were living with her at the time (since grown up). It seems possible that the 2nd child has been missed off because she was not born at the time of the husband's death so just never got added to the claim; I don't know about the other three unless she just didn't think to claim as husband was not the father. Since dependant additions were abolished for new claims in 2003, can anyone tell me if it is possible for her to apply now for the addition onto her existing claim, and the other additions for relevant period(s)? Secondly, if this is possible, how far back could the arrears go, and how will the arrears affect all the benefits she has received in the meantime (a varying combination of IS/HB/tax credits). Any info gratefully received on this can of worms!

hi rachel
i think you need more information about why the 4 other children weren't included in the award. i'm pretty certain the WB claim form asked if the widow was pregnant and would expect this to be followed up - it's possible she didn't know she was pregnant at the time of course...
i'm struggling to recall the claim form, not having seen one in a very long time, but i would have expected her to include all her children, including her husband's step-children on the form, and child benefit information. did she do this and if not, why not?
potentially, arrears could be paid if you could demonstrate official error, but it is likely to be difficult in view of the long lapse of time.

thanks for this. I am seeing my client again this week to enquire further, but her memory of such stuff is not good!