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War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment

Asked by Robin SwannUlster Unionist PartyMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 21 January 2026UIN 105113

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of war widowers eligible for the war widowers recognition payment received the payment in each of the last five years.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

While the exact number of individuals eligible for the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme is not known, the number of payments made under the Scheme between its launch on 16 October 2023 and closure on 15 October 2025 is shown below.

2023

0

2024

237

2025

12

Given the continued reduction in application numbers, the Government proceeded with the planned closure of the Scheme, as outlined at its inception.

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