Hi

I am a 56yr old widow who lost my husband last June suddenly and was put on Bereavement Benefit for one year and as I couldn't manage I got a part time job which I was allowed to but all pay was taxed at Base rate.

They have just written to tell me that my bereavement allowance finishes the end of next month and there is no longer a widows pension unless you are a war widow.

And to cap it all my overs 50's back to work tax credit finishes next February and guess what I will receive no further help after that.

So as I see it I lost my husband he is not in a position to receive his pension he paid into all his life and the government at some stage have said 'hey we can reduce the widows to destitution nobody will notice. What is the point of living I ask myself.

Correct me if I am wrong PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poverty stricken widow

Hi -- I cannot help other than point you in the direction of the pension advisory service who for the cost of a local call will inform you fully of your rights from now on, with free professional, accurate advice on the complex subject of pensions.

http://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/

Note the new, Women & pensions specific helpline on 0845 600 0806

Sorry to hear of your loss. But hang on...isn't the socialist labour government supposed to look after all this, with their cradle to grave benefits system, which they fund by taxing to death the working people?