N.J. Stat. Ann. § 43:16-4c

The widow of any member who died prior to June 15, 1965, shall receive a pension in the amount prescribed by the act to which this act is a supplement if she is otherwise eligible for such pension notwithstanding that she had married her deceased husband after he reached 50 years of age. Pensions authorized by this act shall be payable only upon written application therefor filed with the commission not later than 6 months after the effective date of this act. Each such pension shall commence as of the effective date of this act and continue during widowhood, but no widow's benefit shall be payable for the period from a member's date of death to the effective date of this act.