1.2.3.90 Bereavement Allowance (BVA) - Description

Objective of BVA

BVA is a short-term payment paid under the pension income and asset tests to a recently widowed person. Its purpose is to ensure an adequate level of income for recently widowed persons, both male and female, in the period immediately following the death of a partner (1.1.P.70). BVA is generally payable for up to 14 weeks from the date of the partner's death.

Supplementary assistance

BVA recipients receive a PCC.

BVA recipients also receive the following assistance, in certain circumstances:

• rent assistance,
• pension supplement,
• remote area allowance, and
• CDEP participant supplement (CPS).

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.1.10 Qualification for RA, 3.8.8.10 Qualification for RAA, 3.12.1 Pension Supplement - Qualification & Payability

Provisions if the deceased person was receiving an income support payment

A BVA recipient MAY also be entitled to any amounts of income support payment that was owing to the deceased person prior to their death.

Example: The BVA applicant is a member of a couple whose deceased partner was in receipt of an age pension prior to their death. The BVA applicant may be entitled to receive any amounts of pension that were owed, but not paid, to the partner prior to their death. This would usually be in the form of a lump sum payment. The lump sum payment is not considered income when applying the income and assets test for BVA.

Act reference: SSAct section 8(8)(a) Excluded amounts-general

How BVA is paid

BVA is paid fortnightly.

Background information

BVA was formerly the widowed persons allowance.

Act reference: SSAct section 315(1) Qualification for BVA

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.4.9 BVA - Qualification & Payability, 5.1.3.60 BVA - Current Rates

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Last reviewed: 21 September 2009