§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the rights of women who are widowed(a) before and (b) after pension age in respect of their late husband's state second pension. [71177]
§ Angela EagleWe intend that men and women widowed over State pension age will be able to inherit half the State second pension entitlement of their late spouse (subject to the overall maximum). In line with the proposals for bereavement benefits currently before Parliament, those with dependent children who are widowed before State pension age will also be able to inherit half their late spouse's State second pension entitlement as part of their Widowed Parent's Allowance. Those without dependent children will be able to inherit half their late spouse's State second pension entitlement when they reach State pension age (again subject to the overall maximum).