Benefits deadline looms

Newly eligible claimants for widow's benefit and widowed mother's allowance should be aware that the deadline for claims is approaching.

12:23 25 October 2005

Newly eligible claimants for widow's benefit and widowed mother's allowance should be aware that the deadline for claims is approaching.

Men whose wives died before April 2001 are now eligible for widow's benefit or widowed mother's benefit.

However, they only have until November 4th to make their claim.

Previously these men were denied the benefits, but the European Court of Human Rights ruled this practice as discriminatory.

However, Age Concern and other groups are concerned that many eligible men will still be denied their entitlement.

"Too many men don't know about this", lawyer Howard Burns told the BBC.

Men who may be eligible should lodge their claim with their local Jobcentre Plus. They will need to provide written details, explaining why their claim is late and why they feel they are eligible.

People seeking further advice should also contact their local job centre, or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Men whose wives died since April 2001 will not be affected by the deadline, as they were already eligible for the benefit prior to the court's ruling.