HC Deb 18 June 1979 vol 968 cc417-8W
Mr. English

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the highest and lowest pensions paid to war widows.

Mr. Prentice

Increased rates from 12 November 1979 were announced by my right hon. Friend in his statement to the House on 13 June.—[Vol. 968, c. 453-4.] The figures in brackets are the new rates.

The standard rate of war widows' pension payable by my right hon. Friend's Department is £25-30 (£30-20) a week for the widow of a private soldier (or equivalent rank) but certain war widows without children receive a lower-rate pension of £5.85 (£6.99) a week while under age 40.

Pensions can be increased according to the deceased husband's rank and the highest rate of widows' pension is £2,029 (£2,285) a year.

Additional allowances for children £8 (£10) a week each, rent maximum £9.60 (£11.50) a week, education maximum £120 a year and age up to £4.80 (£5.90) a week are also payable.