A: This is a weekly benefit which is paid to widows and widowers aged 45 or over without dependent children. It is paid up to a maximum of 52 weeks following the date of death.
The weekly rate payable to a widow or widower aged between 45 and 54 is related to their age at the date of entitlement.
To qualify:
You must be a widow or widower who was aged 45 or over but under pension age on the date of your partner’s death.
You must still be under pension age.
Your spouse must have paid NI contributions (unless they died of an industrial injury or prescribed disease).
