Bronte,
I believe you've a choice, but I've very limited knowledge, and welcome correction. The means test for dependant are less strict, so beneficial where there is other income or joint assets. And it might depend greatly on the relative ages of the couple.
Take OPs case. If mother was older, she'd have qualified for non contributory before spouse had contributory and dependant adult.
If she was younger, spouse would have got dependant adult increase before she was eligible for non-contributory.
I believe you've a choice, but I've very limited knowledge, and welcome correction. The means test for dependant are less strict, so beneficial where there is other income or joint assets. And it might depend greatly on the relative ages of the couple.
Take OPs case. If mother was older, she'd have qualified for non contributory before spouse had contributory and dependant adult.
If she was younger, spouse would have got dependant adult increase before she was eligible for non-contributory.