NIS benefits

A widows’/widowers’ benefit can be claimed by the spouse of a deceased NIS contributor, the spouse of a deceased NIS pensioner, or persons who were living in a common-law union in which both parties were free to marry.

Thus the following may claim:

i. A single woman/man who was living with a single man/woman who died.

ii. A single woman/man who was living with a widower/widow.

iii. A widow/widower who was living with a widower/widow.

iv. A widow/widower who was living with a single man/woman.

How does a widow/widower qualify for the benefit?

A spouse must have paid at least 156 weekly contributions with an average of at least 13 per annum. Payment occurs under the following conditions:

i. A full basic pension is payable where there is an annual average of 39 contributions or over.

ii. Reduced rates are payable where the annual average contribution falls below 39 but not less then 13.

iii. Where the required contributions for a pension have not been paid, the widow/widower may be awarded a grant, provided that at least 52 contributions were paid.

iv. Where the deceased was a pensioner, the contribution conditions are deemed to be satisfied.

In addition to the contribution qualification, one qualifies for a widow/widower’s benefit if at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:

i. He/she has been married for at least three years and is 55 years old or over; or

ii. In the case of a woman she is pregnant by her late spouse; or

iii. He/she is married for at least three years and is permanently incapable of work; or

iv. He/she is caring for a child of the late spouse. The child must be under age 18.

If the applicant does not satisfy any of these conditions, but had been married for at least three years, he/she will receive the pension for one year.

A widow/ widower who is making a claim for a benefit must fill out the benefit form. This form is obtained from any National Insurance local office.