Stuart Anderson MP has requested longer-term support for war widows, after the closure of a scheme that supported 250 partners of those who lost their lives serving the nation in the Armed Forces.
Veterans Minister Al Carns MP confirmed that the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme will close on 15th October 2025 due to a “drop-off in application numbers.”
On 21st July 2025, Veterans Minister Al Carns MP confirmed closure of the scheme after two years of payments to people who forfeited their entitlement to a service attributable pension.
Stuart has said that the scheme acknowledges the sacrifices made by the spouses and partners of those who gave their lives in service to our nation. The Minster reported that almost £21 million has been paid since it was set up in 2023.
Stuart has also welcomed the government's climbdown on its plan to impose Inheritance Tax on 'Death in Service' payments for unmarried service personnel.
Stuart said that the government's "punitive plan" would have created a potentially very worrying situation for certain military families and only compounded recruitment and retention challenges in the Armed Forces.
Stuart added that the schemes are key parts of the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a pledge, made on behalf of the nation, to ensure that veterans and their loved ones are treated fairly across all sectors of society.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit a claim form as soon as possible. Details can be found via the Defence Business Services website.
In April 2024, Stuart launched a veteran's support navigator on his website to help them locate government support available to them and their loved ones. It is part of his campaign to make Shropshire the best place to be a veteran.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"As a veteran in Parliament, I will always support those who serve our country in the Armed Forces and their families. We have defeated plans to inflict a tax raid on grieving military families. Inheritance tax would have been imposed on 'Death in Service' payments, which recognise those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Ministers must now set out long term support for war widows after the closure of the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme on 15th October 2025.”
