4. Benefits for financial hardship suffered after a death

The following provisions have been implemented to reduce the financial hardship suffered after the death of a partner.

4.1 Widow Allowance

A provision for single woman born on or before 1 July 1955 that have been widowed, divorced or separated after 40 and have no recent workforce experience. This allowance is subject to an income and assets test, using the Benefit Rate Calculator B.

4.2 Bereavement Allowance

Paid for a maximum period of 14 weeks if a partner has died and the survivor meets the residence, income and asset tests.

4.3 Bereavement Payment

A continued payment of deceased partner’s previous social security entitlement and provides short-term assistance to adjust to changed financial circumstances.

4.4 Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment

This is a tax-free lump sum for the surviving partner of a deceased PBS member who did not claim Age Pension and Pension Bonus before they died, but is subject to the income and assets tests.

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