War widows who forfeited pensions after remarrying could receive £87,500 lump sum
Widows of Armed Forces personnel who sacrificed their pensions before 2015 could be eligible for a one-off lump sum payment of £87,500.
The joint initiative between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Treasury will address old rules in which a group of eligible partners forfeited their pensions if they remarried or cohabited before 2015.
Both the scheme and the payment are designed to support those whose spouses' deaths could be attributed to their military service.
Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, said the UK's war widows "have made a great sacrifice for our country and we will continue to support them in every way we can".
"This payment is a small but important step towards continuing to honour the commitment we have made to these brave people and we will continue to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve," he added.
The MOD said applications will open later this year and remain open for two years, with support provided for applicants by the Veterans UK Call Centre.
Welfare support will also be available through the Veterans Welfare Service for those who need emotional support throughout the process, the MOD added.
John Glen, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said the "payment is a token" of the Government's "continued commitment" to Armed Forces personnel.
"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," he added.
The payment is appropriate under the Armed Forces Covenant, with a key principle of the covenant outlining that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given so much, such as the injured and the bereaved.
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