Widows Pension? - Help needed

[ches]

My Dad died last week & i'm trying to find out if my mum is entitled to a widows pension of some sort. Have to admit i have no idea about these things so thought i'd ask the great & good here for some advice before getting on the phones officially if it looks promising.

My Dad did just under 10yrs, 56-66 & left as a Sgt. He immediately joined the civil service & got a pension from them when he retired in 94. He never received an Army pesnion.

I know about the recent rules regarding 12yrs service for entitlement on the personal pension but does anyone know the status based on historic service & possible entitlement to a widows pension now?

I am assuming that as he never received a pension upon retirement for whatever reason (anyone have a clue why? Same basic entitelment rules in place in the 50/60's?) she isn't entitled to anything now.

Thanks in advance.

 

[oldbaldy]

I'm afraid anyone who left with less than 22 years service prior to April 1975 has no military pension enitltement

Prior to 06 April 1975 there was no provision for a preservation of pension benefits and service personnel who left the Armed Forces had to have completed 16 years from age 21 (Officers) or 22 years from age 18 (Other ranks). Those who left before that date without completing the above criteria, lost all pension entitlement.

Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | SPVA | Pensions

So in answer to your final question, no I'm afraid your mother is not entitled to a widows pension.
I assume she will however receive a widows pension from the civil service.

 

[ches]

OB, thanks for that. Should have searched MOD site myself. Apologies.