§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what circumstances maternity allowance is not paid to a woman who is widowed while pregnant.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA widow who is pregnant by her late husband receives a widow's allowance—standard rate £41.40—during the first 26 weeks of widowhood, followed by a widowed mother's allowance—£29.60. An addition of £7.70 becomes payable when the child is born. If the widow also qualifies for a maternity allowance—standard rate of £22.50 plus an addition of 80p for each child—both benefits cannot be paid in full, but the widow may choose to receive the non-taxable maternity allowance plus a balance of widow's benefit.
An expectant mother is disqualified for receiving maternity allowance if she works and in certain other circumstances. With the exception of detention in legal custody none of these disqualifications apply to widow's benefit.