Piff Poff

Quick question, a simple yes or no will suffice.

We are currently in the process of paying up our NI contributions. If my hubby pegs it, will I be entitled to the Widow pension (it's got a new name). If not we may not top his UK pension up, just put the extra into a TSA or something.

Cheers Ears.

bats

according to this, yes
https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-ab...claim-benefits

Piff Poff

Thank you

BristolUK

There have been too many changes for me to answer so I left it, thinking Christmasoompa was likely more up to date, but since a link was posted I had a look.

Under Bereavement Benefits it says if you're already getting it you continue to do so. For new claims you either need to be in an EEA country or certain other countries which don't include Canada.

The old situation where a wife could "do better" with a state pension based on the husband's NI record was ended some years ago I think and it's now based on the individual's record only. Unless this applies

But depending on your age there may be something available from Canada. I got Survivors Allowance (part of OAS rules) at age 60 for example.

Piff Poff

Thank you. I looked at the same list as you, where Canada was missing.

I think we will continue with getting our NI up to date anyway. Hopefully hubs will get a kidney and survive, in which case it's likely we will return to England. Ontario is getting further and further out of reach anyway. Hubs will win that argument.

Jerseygirl

I’ve been reading your posts, but so far haven’t commented.

I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through. Hopefully your husband will receive a new kidney and you will return ’home’.

bats

Canada is on the list.

BristolUK

I don't see it in that link

Quote:

Countries outside the EEA

spouse of scouse

I think Bats is going by the link she posted, Canada's on that list but that's only for some payments (due to the UK/Canada social security agreement). The page specifically for bereavement benefits confirms that people in Canada aren't eligible for that payment.
https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-ab...ement-benefits

Piff Poff

That's the list I found. There is another list for pensions that Canada is on.

Piff Poff

thank you.

BristolUK

Yes but Pensions aren't Bereavement Benefits. Spouse summed it up well.

The various widows allowances and pensions moved under the bereavement benefits umbrella and there were a few changes to the pensions system too.

If you've paid in for the state retirement pension - as you are doing with the voluntary contributions on top of what you paid before leaving the UK - you can claim that in Canada (frozen) but not the bereavement benefits.

Piff Poff

Yes. That is what I deduced.