Widow B Pension
Widow B Pension will cease on 20 March 2020. Recipients will be transferred to Age Pension at the same payment rate.
For further information about Widow B Pension ceasing please see the welfare reform fact sheet.
Purpose of Payment/Benefit
Widow B Pension is for certain older women who have lost the financial support of a male partner, through death, separation or divorce (who do not qualify for parenting payment). In recognition of women's increased labour force participation, no new Widow B Pensions have been granted since 20 March 1997. Instead, people in need may qualify for other income support payments.
Eligibility
While there are no new grants of Widow B Pension, current cases remain eligible unless they fail to meet qualifications or transfer to another payment.
Means Test Qualifications
The Widow B Pension is subject to an income test and an assets test.
Rates
Widow B Pension is paid at the single rate of pension, see the Services Australia for current rates.
Further information
For further information about Widow B Pension, please contact Services Australia on 13 2300 or visit the Aged Pension section of the Services Australia website.
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