Hello, I am in the process of claiming for a widows pension but would like to know whether I can also apply for a reduced rate of JSB as I have sufficient contributions to do so?
Thanks
You may be entitled to half-rate jobseeker's benefit in addition to Widow's Pension, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria for jobseeker's (sufficient contributions, seeking and available for full-time work).
Thanks for that, do you know whether I need to wait until pension has come through or whether I should go ahead and apply now and wait for claim to be backdated?
If you're unemployed now, you should sign on now as it wouldn't usually be backdated. You may receive the full rate JB until the Widow's pension is decided, and half-rate thereafter.