5.  The applicant was born in 1955 and lives in Bridgend. 6.   His wife died on 29 April 1999 leaving two children, born in 1989 and 1991. 7.  In 1999 the applicant enquired about widows’ benefits and he was informed that he was not entitled to such benefits. 8.  In early 2000 the applicant applied for widows’ benefits again and on 13 March 2000 the Benefits Agency rejected his claim. 9.  He lodged an appeal against this decision on 16 March 2000 and this appeal was struck out on 23 May 2000 on the basis that it was misconceived. 10.  On 16 May 2000 the applicant made an oral claim for Widow’s Bereavement Allowance to the Inland Revenue. On 23 May 2000 he was informed that his claim could not be accepted because there was no basis in domestic law allowing widowers to claim this benefit. The applicant was advised that an appeal against this decision would be bound to fail. 11.  The applicant received child benefit in the sum of GBP 100 per month.