Widowed Parents Allowance

If you are the mother or father of a child or a dependent young person between the ages of 16 and 20 and you receive Child Benefit for these children, you may be eligible to receive a Widowed Parents Allowance if your spouse or civil partner passes away. To check if your circumstances meet the requirements for Widowed Parents Allowance, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 023 4888. For answers to frequently asked questions about Widowed Parents Allowance, please continue reading.

What is Widowed Parents Allowance?

Widowed Parents Allowance is a benefit that some parents may be able to claim if they were legally married and their spouse has passed away (thus leaving them widowed). This Allowance is meant to ease some of the financial strain on parents who find themselves suddenly without the support of a partner, but still with financial responsibility for children under the age of 16 or dependent young people under the age of 20 for whom they are receiving Child Benefit. Currently, the maximum amount of Widowed Parents Allowance that may be paid is £95.25 per week.

Who May Claim Widowed Parents Allowance?

Individual circumstances will play a part in who is approved for Widowed Parents Allowance, but in general there are certain situations in which Widowed Parents Allowance will be approved. This benefit may be given if the children involved are under the age of 20 and meet dependency requirements, if Child Benefit is being received, if the parent is under the age required to receive State Pension, if the deceased spouse or civil partner died and if the deceased spouse or civil partner paid National Insurance contributions. Women who are widowed while pregnant may also be able to receive Widowed Parents Allowance, as may parents who were widowed if their spouse or partner died as a result of his/her work (even if (s)he did not pay National Insurance contributions). Though Widowed Parents Allowance will not necessarily be granted following a claim, there are some parents who are not allowed to make the application at all. Parents who were divorced, parents who have remarried or are living with a new partner, and parents who are in prison will not be granted Widowed Parents Allowance and may not claim for it.

Will Collecting Widowed Parents Allowance Affect Other Benefits?

Collecting Widowed Parents Allowance may affect the collection of other benefits. With the addition of receiving money as a Widowed Parents Allowance, the amounts received in Carer’s Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and/or Jobseeker’s Allowance may be altered. The details of these alterations will depend upon your unique circumstance and need to be discussed with your present point of contact at Jobcentre Plus.

How Are Claims for Widowed Parents Allowance Proven?

When you make your claim for benefits via Widowed Parents Allowance you will need to provide proof that your circumstances are as you describe. You will need to bring identification with you and bring documentation detailing your legal marriage or civil partnership, your spouse or partner’s death, the existence of your children and dependent young people, and details of Child Benefit that you receive. Contact your local office to find out more about what you should bring with you to make your claim. Also, be sure that you understand what will happen to Widowed Parents Allowance should you remarry, form a new civil partnership, or move in with a new partner. Be clear about your duties regarding reporting changes in your circumstances so that you do not find yourself in breach of regulations should such changes occur.

Widowed Parents Allowance is designed to provide some financial support to parents who have recently been widowed and meet a number of requirements regarding their marriage or civil partnership and their children and other young dependents. Contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 023 4888 to find out more about Widowed Parents Allowance and to discuss your personal circumstances.p