Benefits for MiL

[honeybee13]

Hello guys, I hope you can advise us.

 

My husband's father passed away about a month ago and we're trying to help mother in law because her only income is a small state pension from her own NI contributions. She's waiting to hear how much her State pension will be now she's widowed, but it may not be the full amount.

 

I think she should qualify for pension credit and council tax benefit, plus the social fund grant of £700 towards the funeral.

 

I have two questions for now please. Roughly how long does it take to receive pension credit once they have all the information they need?

 

And are there any other benefits she might qualify for?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

HB

[citizenB]

Single persons Council Tax, perhaps ?

[silverfox1961]

Hopefully this may help.

 

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/claiming-benefits/pension-credit/what-is-pension-credit/

[honeybee13]

Single persons Council Tax, perhaps ?

 

Thank you, CB. She knew about that one from when another family member died earlier this year. She's been to see the council and I understand that's being dealt with.

 

HB

[honeybee13]

Hopefully this may help.

 

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/claiming-benefits/pension-credit/what-is-pension-credit/

 

Thank you, that's a good link.

 

HB

[honeybee13]

Just a quick update.

 

Thank you for mentioning AgeUK, SF. I rang the local branch and from what I told them, the lady said she thinks pension credit, council tax benefit and the social fund grant are the way to go. She offered to go and see MiL to do a benefits check, which would be excellent.

 

HB

[citizenB]

Yes, Age UK are really great - they visited a couple of friends of mine. Initially it was just for the wife, but when the Chap arrived he noticed the Husband was struggling as well. So not only did they submit claims for both of them, but they were both backdated for 6 months I think. So very useful indeed.

[silverfox1961]

Just a quick update.

 

Thank you for mentioning AgeUK, SF. I rang the local branch and from what I told them, the lady said she thinks pension credit, council tax benefit and the social fund grant are the way to go. She offered to go and see MiL to do a benefits check, which would be excellent.

 

 

HB

Just glad I could offer a smidgeon of help. let's hope she gets everything she needs and if she does get pension credit, don't forget the added benefits

 

NHS dental treatment free and help with glasses. Travel costs to hospital appointments are covered as well so if she has regular appointments make sure she takes her award letter with her

[martin2006]

have you tried the benefits calculator to see what she will be entitled to?

 

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

[honeybee13]

have you tried the benefits calculator to see what she will be entitled to?

 

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

 

Yes I have, Martin, but we aren't sure of her income figures yet as she's waiting to hear from the DWP. I haven't forgotten about it though, thank you for mentioning it.

 

HB

[martin2006]

Its anonymous, try putting the figures you have atm and then try it again with figures including anything you are waiting for from DWP.

If nothing else it gives a good indication

[honeybee13]

Its anonymous, try putting the figures you have atm and then try it again with figures including anything you are waiting for from DWP.

If nothing else it gives a good indication

 

Thank you Martin. Yes, I've done that and it looks hopeful. We just need confirmation of the exact figures now.

 

HB

[fletch70]

It's been a while since I helped my Mil but at the time there was guaranteed pension credit which is the minimum income and classed as a passport benefit to the other things mentioned. Pension credit was designed to persuade people to save as it topped up earnings but was not the same.

Without knowing age, was you father in law in SERPS because part of this gets carried to the widow or at le as t it did with my Mum when Dad died in 2010.

[honeybee13]

Thank you fletch. No, he wasn't in SERPS.

 

HB