Widow B Pension
New grants stopped
New grants of Widow B Pension stopped on 20 March 1997.
New grants of Widow B Pension stopped on 20 March 1997.
If you were receiving Widow B Pension before that date, you can keep on receiving it for as long as you remain eligible until you transfer to the Age Pension.
To remain eligible, you need to meet income and assets tests.
You need to know
Income and assets tests for Widow B Pension
To qualify for Widow B Pension, you need to meet income and assets tests.
Income test for pensions
Your income can affect the amount of payment you receive from us.
Payment rates for Widow B Pension
The payment rate for Widow B Pension is updated on 20 March and 20 September each year.
| Family situation | Pension rate per fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single | $712.00 |
Note: this amount excludes the Pension Supplement, a fortnightly payment additional to the base pension, of $60.60 a fortnight.
Payment reviews
We review your Widow B Pension from time to time.
If you are earning a variable income, you need to report it to us every fortnight.
If you disagree with a decision we make, you always have the right to appeal.
Other benefits while receiving Widow B Pension
If you qualify for Widow B Pension, you may be entitled to other payments and benefits, such as:
- Advance Payment
- Education Entry Payment
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Pharmaceutical Allowance
- Remote Area Allowance
- Rent Assistance
- Telephone Allowance and
- Utilities Allowance
Existing customers
Change of circumstances while receiving Widow B Pension
You need to tell us if your circumstances change while receiving Widow B Pension. For example, you need to tell us if your income changes or if you leave Australia.
You need to let us know about any changes within 14 days in case this affects your pension. If you don't tell us about changes you may be overpaid, and you will have to pay the money back.
If you deliberately don’t tell us about changes, you could be charged with fraud.
You may have to pay a fee if you give us incorrect information about your employment income.
Advance payment options
You may be eligible to receive part of your Centrelink payment in advance. Accessing an advance payment depends on the type of payment you receive, how long you have been receiving it and the amount that you receive.
Transitional rate of pension
The transitional rate of pension is a special rate for people who would ordinarily have received a lower pension because of income test changes in 2009.
You are automatically paid the transitional rate of pension if your rate has always been higher than the rate introduced in 2009.
The transitional rate of pension can apply to:
- Age Pension
- Bereavement Allowance
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension (except if you are aged under 21 and have no children)
- Widow B Pension
- Wife Pension.
Calculating the transitional rate
Your transitional pension rate is compared to the rate of the pension you would receive under the current income test. You will keep receiving the transitional rate while it is more than the current rate. As soon as the current rate is the same or more than your transitional rate, you will be paid under the current means test. You will no longer be eligible for the transitional rate.
Losing the transitional rate
Changes like having more or less income can alter the amount of your pension payment. You cannot go back to your transitional rate if you start receiving the current rate because of a change in your circumstances.
It is important to understand what effect a brief change, like earning more or less employment income, may have on your pension. A Customer Service Officer or Financial Information Service Officer can explain the likely outcomes to you.
Payments paid while outside Australia
There are rules about getting your payment when you leave Australia.