Hi, I'm not an expert on this, but I believe that Widow's Pensions were for those whose husbands had served in a war. Otherwise, before SS, a widow had to have her own income, thru work or inherited property, or she had to be dependent on relatives or friends. Many women lived with sons or sons in law. Friends might help the widow out with food or shelter. Poor women had a really hard time of it before SS and sadly, it isn't always a whole lot better for them now. Back then, the county might help the widow out. I don't know of any Pensions for women before Social Security. I don't know of any applications for pensions women would have filled out, except for their husband's military service in a war. I'd be curious if anyone can add better info to what I've said here. Barb T