Welfare Benefits Advisory Officer, Elmbridge Housing Trust Member since 21st Jan 2004
widows benefit / SRP Thu 14-Jan-10 01:51 PM
I have a 62 year old widow in receipt of a widows pension. She continued to work past her 60th birthday and deferred her SRP. She has now stopped work and wants to claim her SRP. The CPAG handbook refers to claimants in her position and says thay MAY be entitled to widows benefits and SRP but see page 132 of the handbook 2000/01 but I don't have a copy of the handbook from that year.
Can anyone advise what are the issues for claiming either or both pensions? Is it best to get a forecast for the SRP before deciding? In the meantime will she qualify for PC to top up her widows pension or will that just trigger a claim for SRP?
Many thanks. Won't be back online until next week but appreciate any replies.
Volunteer adviser, Corby Welfare Rights Advice Bureau Member since 03rd May 2005
RE: widows benefit / SRP Thu 11-Feb-10 07:17 PM
I always advise people to obtain a pension forecast before making any decison of this kind. For example they may have a contribution gap which can be made up by voluntary contributions which will enhance their SRP. It's only possible to make an informed decision with full information.