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My daughter-in-law died some years ago as a direct result of her serving in the army. My son didn't qualify for any pension at the time, but I've recently read that men must now be treated equally. Should my son be getting something after all?
Changes to the War Pensions Scheme in April 2002 mean that the War Pensions rules for war widowers are the same as those for war widows - but this wasn't always the case.

Before April 2002 men whose wives died on active service, or as a result of serving in Britain's armed forces, were treated less favourably than women in the same circumstances. Much stricter conditions were applied to widowed men claiming a pension than to women who lost their husbands. Men had to prove that they had been financially dependent on their wife for at least six months before her death, that they were in financial need and were incapable of supporting themselves. The pension was also means tested and often less than the amount women would get.

Since April 2002 men have the same rights as women. The earlier conditions have been lifted and the benefit is no longer means tested. This means that claims for a war widower's pension made on or after April 2002 are treated exactly the same as claims for war widow's pension, including entitlement to the same basic pension, supplementary pensions and allowances as war widows.

Your son could now make a claim under the new rules. For further information your son can telephone the Veterans Helpline on 0800 169 22 77 or call into his local CAB.
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