Widow allowance changes from July 1
NEW claims for widow allowance close from July 1.
After that date, people who would have claimed the allowance can instead claim Newstart if under pension age, the age pension, or special benefit if they are over age pension age but do not meet residence rules for the age pension.
Those who receive Newstart after July 1, and who would have previously qualified for widow allowance, will not be required to apply for jobs, enter into a job plan or do training or study.
People who currently receive the widow allowance do not need to do anything.