Hi,
My father is 69 years old and has never claimed his state pension. This is not because he didn't need the money, it's because he thought as he had a works pension he was not entitled to a state pension. My father has now received a lump sum for his unclaimed pension from January 2006 but has been told that any unclaimed pension previous to that date will be paid in additional increments to his weekly pension. Unfortunately, my dad has terminal cancer and has a few months left at best. so he is unlikely to see much of his unclaimed pension. I've been told by the DWP that previous to the 1st of April 2005 lump sums were not paid, only increments. Does this mean my father will lose most of his state pension? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
CK.