A new compensation scheme could see hundreds of war widows receive around £90,000. It will benefit those whose partners died as part of their service but later remarried or moved in with a new partner.
Between 1973 and 2015, those who began a new relationship after their military personnel spouse died were forced to give up their War Widow's Pension. However, the rules changed in 2015.
Although, as reported by The Mirror, the rule was not backdated. This means that a few hundred people were not set to be reimbursed the money they lost.
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Last week, the Government confirmed that those affected would receive a one-off lump sum. The payment, worth £87,500, will come through a joint initiative from the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury in order to make up for the lost money.
The War Widows Association has campaigned for the changes for years. Their mission was backed by the Telegraph newspaper.
Now, around 380 people will receive the payment. The Government has confirmed that it was "not possible" to restore their pensions in full, and that the lump sum payment would be taxed.
Veterans' affairs minister Johnny Mercer welcomed the announcement on Twitter. He said around £33million had been made available for the scheme - but this figure has not been confirmed by either Government department.
John Glen chief secretary to the Treasury said: “The legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country endures, and it’s only right that we honour that service by doing right by their loved ones. This Government will always stand behind our armed forces, their families and veterans and this payment is a token of our continued commitment to them.”
The application window for the payment will open later this year and will remain open for two years with support for applicants provided by the Veterans UK Call Centre. The Ministry of Defence has not confirmed the exact date when the application process will open.
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