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Going Abroad - Bereavement Benefits / Widows Benefits

If you receive Bereavement Benefits or Widows Benefits, these may be affected if you go abroad.

Temporary absence

Paid anywhere in the world irrespective of the length of the absence.

Absences of six months or less

International Pension Centre will arrange payment abroad on transfer of the case.

The first payment may be an adjusting payment to bring the case on to cycle.

Absences of more than six months

International Pension Centre will arrange for payment abroad and advise on methods of payment available when the case is transferred (the method can vary according to the country).

Where preferred, benefit can be left to accumulate and arrears paid on return to Northern Ireland, provided the absence is intended to be less than two years.

Permanent absence

Bereavement Benefits can normally be paid anywhere abroad.

If you are bereaved you will receive annual increases in Widow's Pension, Widowed Mother's Allowance , Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent's Allowance only if you reside in European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or in countries covered by Reciprocal Agreements/Conventions.

In other countries the benefit will remain at the same rate as you left the United Kingdom, or when you first qualified for the benefit if you were already living abroad at the time.

If you are in receipt of Widowed Mother's Allowance / Widowed Parent’s Allowance and live abroad permanently and have a child who normally lives with you, you will get an increase in benefit for the child only if you live in an EEA country, or certain other countries.

If you want to know what effect the departure would have on benefit rates you must contact: The Pensions Service or International Pension Centre Awards if already residing overseas.

International Pension Centre will arrange for payment abroad and advise on methods of payment available when the case is transferred (the method can vary according to the country).