Can I have some pension advice on behalf of my recently widowed dad please?

[sensesworkingovertime]

Hi, my dad became a widower last week. Now that the initial shock and raw grief are easing a little he is turning to practical matters. Obviously we are aware that my mum's pension stops but does anyone know if my dad's pension gets altered now? Many thanks in advance for advice.

I'm sorry for your loss

Re the pension, it totally depends on what kind it was. The only way to find out would be to look at the paperwork, or ring the provider. A phrase like '50% spouse's pension would mean that your dad would continue to get the pension at 50% of the amount.

It is also possible to buy a guarantee with a pension, to cover death within the first 5 or 10 years, so that might also apply.

You will need to contact the pension provider in any case to advise them of your mother's death, so they should be able to advise you as to what happens from here.

If you are talking about the state pension rather than a private (personal or company) pension...that's where I'm hazy, I'm sure someone else can advise on that.

Oh thank you but yes it is the state pension I mean.

Doh, sorry.

Try the Pensions Advisory Service helpline - its a state funded free service, they should be able to help...
0845 601 2923

Thanks so much for your help Brain.