State pension: Widow and widowers urged to claim payment boost - rules explained

Britons might be able to inherit an extra payment on top of their new state pension if they’re widowed.

However, if they remarry or form a new civil partnership before they reach state pension age, they can't inherit anything.

When somebody's partner dies, people must inform the Pension Service so that payments stop .

This can be done by calling the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469.

Some Britons may be entitled to extra payments from their deceased spouse's or civil partner's state pension.

But, this depends on their National Insurance Contributions and the date they reached the state pension age.

Those who haven't reached state pension age, could be eligible for Bereavement benefits.

Some people can inherit additional state pension if they married or had a civil partnership with their deceased partner before April 6, 2016, and if their partner reached state pension age before April 6, 2016 or they died before April 6, 2016, but would have reached state pension age on or after that date.

If a Briton is married or in a civil partnership and they both reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, and one of them passes away, the survivor may be entitled to a higher basic state pension.

This is based on the National Insurance record of their partner.

But, the extra payments only apply if the surviving partner hasn’t already built up a full basic state pension from their own National Insurance contribution record.

Those who remarry or enter into a new civil partnership before they reach state pension age will lose the right to the extra boost.

Some people may defer their state pension, therefore the spouse or civil partner may either claim the extra state pension or get a lump sum.