1.2.3.40 Widow B Pension (WidB) - Description

Objective of WidB

WidB is an income support payment (section 23(1)-'income support payment') available to certain older widows who:

• do not qualify for PPS,
• have limited means of support, AND
• have lost the financial support of their partner (1.1.P.70).

Act reference: SSAct section 23(1)-'income support payment'

Supplementary assistance

WidB recipients MAY also receive:

• rent assistance,
• pension supplement,
• remote area allowance,
• pensioner concession card, and
• CDEP participant supplement (CPS).

Bereavement payment provisions

Following the death of a single pensioner a bereavement payment may be payable to the person best entitled to it.

How WidB is paid

WidB is paid fortnightly.

Background information

There have been no new grants of WidB since 20 March 1997.

Current WidB recipients remain eligible to receive this payment until otherwise disqualified from receiving it, or until they reach age pension age and elect to transfer to Age (section 23(5A)).

Act reference: SSAct section 23(5A) Pension age, section 362(1) Qualification for WidB, section 362A Widow B pension not to be granted in certain cases

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.4.10 Parenting Payment (PP) - Description, 3.4.4 WidB - Qualification & Payability, 5.1.3.40 WidB - Current Rates

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Last reviewed: 21 September 2009