The widowhood allowance offers essential financial support to the surviving spouse of a deceased partner, based on age and income criteria. This monthly payment assists those who do not yet qualify for a survivor's pension, especially if under age 55.
The widowhood allowance is a monthly benefit, paid around the 20th of each month by Social Security or the Mutuelle Sociale Agricole (MSA), depending on the deceased's insurance status. It supports the surviving spouse after the loss of their husband or wife.
To qualify, the deceased must have been affiliated with old-age insurance for at least 3 months (continuous or not) in the year before death as a private employee, non-permanent public servant, agricultural or non-agricultural worker, or job seeker. It also applies if they received the disabled adult allowance (AAH), unemployment benefits, retirement pension, or compensation for illness, maternity, disability, or work accidents.
The surviving spouse must be under 55, as this temporary aid bridges the gap until eligibility for a survivor's pension. They must reside in France (though exceptions apply depending on the pension fund), not live as a couple (no remarriage, PACS, or cohabitation), and pass a means test: resources over the prior 3 months must not exceed about €782 monthly. The full amount is €625 per month, prorated based on income.
This benefit can combine with earnings from employment, self-employment, training, or business startup, within limits and for a limited time. It lasts up to 2 years or until age 55 if the spouse was 50 or older at the time of death.
Tip: Use the Retirement Insurance online simulator in your personal account to check eligibility instantly.
The allowance is not automatic—submit an application to your pension fund.
For general scheme insureds, contact the CNAV fund of the deceased's last workplace. Download Cerfa form n°12098*04 from the Retirement Insurance website. Submit it digitally via your personal space under "Transmit my form," or by mail: Carsat Bourgogne – Franche-Comté, Centre national de traitement de l'allocation veuvage – 21044 Dijon cedex (France residents) or CNAV, 15 avenue Louis Jouhanneau – 37078 Tours cedex 2 (abroad).
Include proof of civil status, bank details (RIB), latest tax notice, and situation statement. Additional documents may be needed, such as proof of activity cessation, business creation, payslips, Pôle emploi certificate, or AAH payment notice.
Apply within 2 years of the first day of the death month. If within 12 months, backpay starts from the death month; otherwise, from the application month.
