Loss of a spouse can be emotionally challenging at times, and in those rainy days, financial concerns can worsen the situation. The untimely loss of spouse as war veteran results in their widows and dependents going through hard times. The war widow pension in Australia serves as a lifeline for individuals mourning with the loss of their partner. The Australian government have recently increased the pension amount in 2024. But how much is this pension and how can one claim the amount? This article will delve into those details, providing clarity on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the financial assistance provided.
Australia Widows Pension 2024
The war widow pension in Australia is a benefit provided under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) which is offered and managed through offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Australia. It is a financial assistance program provided by the government to support surviving partners of veterans who passed away due to their military service or service-related injuries or illnesses.The pension is paid fortnightly, is tax-free and doesn’t take income or assets into account. Eligibility for the war widow pension in Australia typically depends on factors such as the deceased veteran’s service history, the cause of death, and the marital status of the surviving partner. Alongside financial assistance, eligible widowers may also have access to additional support services such as healthcare, counselling, and assistance with housing and financial matters.
Certain situations automatically trigger the grant of this pension without further investigation such as veteran being ex-prisoner of war, getting injured resulting in permanent disability leading to death etc. Recipients of the war widow pension in Australia are issued a Veteran Gold Card, which provides access to a range of health care services for all conditions within Australia. Additionally, war widows and widowers may be entitled to an income support supplement, an income and assets tested pension that provides additional regular income. The Australian government have increased the amount to 1,136.30 Australian dollars for war widow pension in Australia in 2024 with the new payment amount being effectively applicable from 20 April 2024.
Widows Pension Australia 2024 : An Overview
| Name | Widows Pension Australia 2024 |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Regulating Body | DVA |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Financial Aid |
| Objective | Aid the survivors of war veterans. |
| Applicable persons | Widows of war veterans |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Payment Amount | A$ 1136.30 |
| Payment Mode | Online (Direct Deposit) |
| Payment Duration | Every 14 days |
| New Payment Starting Month | May 2024 (expected) |
| Expected payment week | First week of May 2024 (3rd May 2024) |
| Website | https://www.dva.gov.au/ |
Who is Eligible For Widows Pension in Australia 2024 ?
Following are the eligibility criteria for war widow pension in Australia in 2024:
- Marital Status: You must have been legally married to the veteran or in a de facto relationship with them immediately before their death.
- Cause of Death: The veteran’s demise must be:
- Be determined as war or defence-related (e.g., combat-related death).
- Result from an injury or disease accepted as war or defence caused (e.g., injuries sustained during service that later led to death).
- Remarriage: Generally, remarriage after the veteran’s death disqualifies you. However, there’s an exception for remarriages that occurred before May 1984.
Additionally, certain situations automatically grant eligibility for the pension without further investigation:
- If the veteran was an ex-prisoner of war.
- If the veteran received the Extreme Disablement Adjustment.
- If the veteran received a Disability Compensation Payment at the Special Rate (including blindness in both eyes).
- If the veteran received a Disability Compensation Payment at the Intermediate Rate.
- If the veteran received a Disability Compensation Payment at the Temporary Special Rate.
- If the veteran received an increased rate for specific conditions listed in the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
Mode of Payment & Payout Dates
Primarily, the mode of payment for widows pension in Australia is online through direct deposit into the widow’s account. The indexation of the amount occurs 4 times a year, with the recent indexation completed on 20 May 2024.
| Pension Indexation 2024 | Old Fortnightly Rate (as of 01/01/2024) | New Fortnightly Rate (from 20/03/2024) | Fortnightly Increase |
| War Widow(er)’s Pension | $ 1,116.30 | $ 1,136.30 | $ 20.00 |
| Income Support Supplement | $ 331.40 | $ 337.40 | $ 6.00 |
Widows Pension Australia in 2024 Apply and Status Check
- Generally, there is no separate process to apply for the widows pension in Australia in 2024 as the details are automatically fetched by the DVA and processed accordingly.
- However, you can handle both applying and checking the status through their website. To apply for the claim, download and complete the DVA Form D2663, titled “Claim for War Widow(er)’s Pension or Orphan’s Pension”, complete the form and submit online.
- You may take help from RSL Australia or Legacy Australia to guide the filing of form. Claims for the widows pension in Australia require investigation of the veteran’s medical condition prior to death and their service record. Include details such as the deceased veteran’s name, service history, and information about treating doctors and hospitals.
- To check the status, you may contact DVA directly through 1800838372. Alternatively, you can visit the local DVA office for an in-person update.
Australia Widows Pension 2024 Fact Check
The widows pension in Australia in 2024 has been authorized the government of Australia and is managed through DVA (Department of Veteran’s Affairs) Australia. The recent increase in pension amount and the eligibility criteria has been fact checked through the official website of DVA.
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Julie Kanary is an accomplished author and financial analyst with a keen interest in social security, tax, and finance-related topics. With a wealth of experience in the field, Julie has established herself as a reputable voice in the domain of economic policy and financial literacy.Drawing upon her extensive background in economics and finance, Liam contributes regularly & offering insightful perspectives and analysis on a wide range of topics.
My husband is 91 years old he is having difficulties with hearing walking and sleeping finding it hard to be patient with medical staff especially at Darwin hospital