Another friend of mine passed away yesterday; he's left a wife and 5 children.

His wife is Indonesian, (he is from Salisbury, Wilts., your neck of the woods, Galaxy?)) she speaks good English but probably lacks the self confidence / wherewithal to investigate / register for a widow's pension; two of the children are minors.

Can any of you advise me on how I can advse her, as to what benefits (if any) is she entitled to?

As most of you know, I'm 'stuck' here in Singapore so I can hardly just nip down to my local Citizen's Advice Bureau (or whatever).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated?

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2001

Answers

Anything Positive?

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2001

Hi Bud - Sorry to hear your news mate. I've no doubt that the 'locals' on here will be in a much better position to answer than me but you could at least start by having a look at the Citizens Advice Bureau web site www.nacab.org.uk

In theory I think they're only supposed to assist people living locally but certainly when I worked for them in Hull we'd never turn anyone away. If it was a phone call you'd never check where someone was calling from so maybe you could try emailing on behalf of your mate's widow. Bliddy marvellous voluntary organisation actually. Or at least they used to be. Best of luck.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001

Thanks LT, I've checked their website (Citizens...) and there's some good info there, I'll draft her a full report.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001

Hi Bud Wiser - sorry to hear about your friend. The site which might give you the required information is www.dss.gov.uk/index.htm. I believe that most government departments can locate an interpreter too, which might make the whole process a little easier.

Salisbury is about 15-20 miles from me. If you would like me to make any phone calls to the local office, mail me.(:o)

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001

Sorry to hear your news as well.

I'm sure that the CAB and DSS websites are good advice. I'd also recommend telephoning the local DSS department straight away - contact details will be in the phone book. If it's complicted by nationality issues (sounds like it could be) then a decent solicitor might be a good idea. Presumably one will be needed anyway to deal with inheritance issues. Either through CAB or direct (initial consultation shouldn't be too expensive!).

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001

Sorry to hear about your mate, Bud.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001