Pension Reforms for War Widows

This month will mark the start of a pension for life for all War Widows and Widowers who remarry, cohabit or form a civil partnership. 

Under the old system, War Widows and Widowers whose spouses died or left military service between April 1973 and April 2005 would have to give up their survivor’s pension if they remarried, cohabited with a new partner or formed a civil partnership. However, those whose spouse died or left military service before 1973 or after April 2005, kept their survivor’s pension through other schemes.

The War Widows Association felt strongly that this was unfair as it meant some widows and widowers were effectively left ‘disadvantaged’ because of the date their spouse died and therefore campaigned for change, calling it the “wrong time to die”.

Fittingly, a few days before Armistice Day, the government announced that as of 1st April 2015 those who already receive a survivor’s pension will be allowed to keep their pension for life if they do remarry, cohabit or form a civil partnership. This will offer some comfort to the 4000 people thought to benefit who have lost loved ones serving for their country.

Protect your pension 

Our Private Client solicitors and legal executives are able to support any aspect of your life from the initial stages of planning for your future to adapting your affairs as life progresses ultimately to the administration of your estates and the probate process. Our commitment is to provide individual solutions to our clients depending on their particular circumstances and requirements.
  Please contact us on 01708 229 444 for more information or visit the Wills, Trusts & Tax page to find out more.