MoD (want to) reclaim War Widow's pension

[Grotesque]

I've been asked, but don't know- any advice gratefully received as usual.

 

A feller bought it in the early days of the Business, so for the last 10

(? -not sure as to exact dates, can confirm) years his widow has been receiving his pension;

 

she has now informed the MoD that she is about to begin co-habiting (having been single until then)

so no longer can claim it, all honest and above board it seemed to me.

 

The MoD have now requested she REPAY the last x-amount of years worth of pension they have paid her.

 

Are they for real?! I assume- and hope- they can't do that?

 

TYVMIA

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

She must contact MOD and ask WHY they want the repayment, without knowledge of the reasoning (often rubbish with this department) it is difficult to advise.

Vets agency (SPVA)

 

veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk may help.

[Grotesque]

Right! Cheers. From what I gather (and will try to find out) it's because by co-habiting / soon to be married, she loses entitlement. Which I guess may be true for the future, but surely can't be withdrawn retrospectively for that reason?

 

Personally, General, I reckon either they have misread her OR she has not been lear with them, and they are in the belief that she's suddenly 'owning up' to having been married for the last ten years!!! Or something.

 

Cheers!

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

The dept. may have the impression for some reason that the cohab started some time ago.

[Grotesque]

Cheers General. So a phone call, letter, or sworn affidaviit maybe?

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

e-mail gets a quicker response.

[ScarletPimpernel]

War Widows Pension entitlement stops when a pensioner marries or starts living with a new partner.

 

I agree with Brig - they probably think the couple have been living together for longer than they actually have. First step is to contact SPVA - letter or email - they are absolutely dire on the phone, if you can get through to them.

 

The RBL will advise on these matters too.

[Grotesque]

Thanks very much both, will pass it on! Yes Red Pimp reckon that's exactly it. I'll let you know what happens, if I find out, which I might not do as not that close.

Cheers!

[stu007]

Hi this link may also be of use which deals with Armed Forces Pension: http://www.equinitipaymaster.com/contact/scheme-members/armed-forces-pensions/

 

and this PDF:

Edited August 31, 2013 by stu007

[Grotesque]

Thanks for both your help. Haven't heard anything back yet. Cheers!